How to Tell Flu From Strep

Strep and influenza, often referred to as the flu, have similar symptoms that make them difficult to tell apart. Fever, chills and a sore throat are symptoms of both illnesses. Fortunately, your doctor can perform tests to accurately diagnose these illness. It's important to see a doctor within the first few days of feeling any symptoms.

Instructions

• 1

  Check your throat for bright red tonsils and white spots, if you have a sore throat. Feel if you have swollen glands in the neck. These are signs of strep. The flu sometimes includes a sore throat, but not the other throat symptoms.

• 2

  Note if you are feeling extreme exhaustion, fatigue, weakness and body aches. People with the flu complain of a "knocked-off-your-feet" feeling.

• 3

  Notice if you have nasal congestion or a cough. These symptoms can be present with the flu, but are rare with strep.

• 4

  Visit a doctor within a day or two. Your doctor can take a throat culture to test for strep or a nasal swab to test for the flu. A doctor usually prescribes antibiotics to clear up strep. Tamiflu is a prescribed medication that can greatly reduce flu symptoms, but it must be taken within the first 2 days of symptoms.