Sore throat can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. Depending on the source of infection, the infection lasts longer, and its treatment is also different. So how can you tell the difference between a bacterial infection and a viral infection so that you can recover as quickly as possible?
Susceptibility to viral infection increases especially during the autumn and winter gray season, when our immune system is strained. It usually lasts from five days to a week. Bacterial infection usually affects children and adolescents up to 15 years of age, mainly in winter and spring.
Virus infection
Viral infection is transmitted through enteroviruses and adenoviruses. Colloquially known as a virus, it is one of the most common sources of sore throat. Infection occurs through the droplet route. Viruses pass unharmed through biological filters capable of stopping bacteria, and then line the upper respiratory tract.
Viruses initially makes itself felt through weakness, headache and muscle pain. The throat is reddened, on the bloodshot tonsils we can observe bubbles with serous extract. A dry cough often turns into a wet one. In addition, a stuffy nose and runny nose may be bothersome, while the fever is insignificant.
In the case of viral infection, symptomatic treatment is required, antipyretics, anti-inflammatory drugs and lozenges for an irritated throat are used. It is recommended to use disinfecting sprays and rinsing the mouth with a solution of salt or baking soda.
Bacterial infection
A bacterial infection is primarily to blame for streptococci or staphylococci. This type of infection sometimes occurs secondary to viral infection, the symptoms of which intensify after three days, also because it is easier for bacteria to break through the mucous membranes of the throat weakened by the previous activity of viruses.
Throat pain and redness strike suddenly along with enlarged lymph nodes. This is accompanied by congestion of the tonsils, which are covered with a white coating, and the tongue hanging on the palate is affected by swelling and a gray coating. If there is a fever, it stays above 38 degrees Celsius.
Since it is strep throat that accounts for the majority of bacterial infections of the throat, we must go to the doctor for an antibiotic. Ignoring it can bring unpleasant consequences, e.g. in the form of sinusitis.