{"id":35269,"date":"2024-10-25T07:00:37","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T07:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=35269"},"modified":"2025-10-17T17:26:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T17:26:32","slug":"is-it-strep-throat-or-just-a-sore-throat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/is-it-strep-throat-or-just-a-sore-throat\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it strep throat or just a sore throat?","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

It isn\u2019t just respiratory illnesses like the flu that peak during the winter \u2014 strep throat becomes more common, too, as we gather together indoors. But sore throats can have many culprits, from the common cold to seasonal allergies.<\/p>\n

How do you know if your sore throat is caused by a strep infection? And what should you do if you suspect you have strep?<\/p>\n

Here, we break down what to know about strep throat, from how it spreads to how to get relief.<\/p>\n

What is strep throat?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Strep throat is a type of bacterial infection. The bacteria, known as group A streptococcus, can live in our skin and mucous membranes, which line the nose and throat.<\/p>\n

Typically, the bacteria spreads from person to person through close contact \u2014 think coughs and sneezes that spray droplets into the air. You can catch strep throat by:<\/p>\n