We don’t get the snowy, blowy wintery days that our northern friends do. But because we spend more hours indoors this time of year and have visitors from far and wide who bring their germs along with their baggage, ’tis the season for sore throats here in Florida, too. But how do you tell a simple, garden variety sore throat, typically caused by a virus, from something more serious, such as the bacterial infection commonly called strep throat? “Do you have a very painful throat that just came out of nowhere?” asks Gary Hardoon, MD, who practices internal medicine at Health First’s Palm Bay location. “Were you feeling fine just a few minutes ago? If so, that has the earmarks of a strep throat,” he says. “A strep throat basically has one cause,” he explains. “Group A streptococcus is the name of the bacteria that causes several different types of infection, including strep throat, which is very contagious,” and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. The CDC explains that group A strep bacteria can cause a wide range of infections, from minor to more serious. Generally, people spread the bacteria to others through respiratory droplets or direct contact. Dr. Hardoon says that strep throat will likely hurt when you try to swallow. Other symptoms may include: <ul> <li>Fever</li> <li>Swollen lymph nodes in your neck</li> <li>Headache</li> <li>Loss of appetite</li> <li>No cough</li> </ul> “If you open your mouth and see white patches on your tonsils, chances are that’s pus and another symptom of strep throat,” he adds. How about a basic sore throat? Mayo Clinic says that a sore throat, also called pharyngitis, is pain or irritation of the throat. Swallowing often makes it feel worse. The most common cause is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus cannot be effectively treated with antibiotics and usually goes away on its own. Other causes of sore throat may be allergies, which can come with other upper respiratory symptoms, including: <ul> <li>Runny nose</li> <li>Coughing</li> <li>Sneezing</li> <li>Red or watery eyes</li> <li>Mild body aches</li> </ul> If allergies leave your throat scratchy, your favorite home remedies and medications like antihistamines may provide relief. Dr. Hardoon says it’s never too soon to see your healthcare provider if you suspect strep throat because it is so contagious and can lead to serious health problems. “More than 50 percent of strep throat cases occur in children under the age of 18,” he explains. “They spread it to their parents or other adults with whom they come in contact. “If you can’t get an appointment with your primary care doctor, you may want to consider a trip to an urgent care facility. “While strep infections may clear up on their own, untreated cases can lead to complications like rheumatic fever, arthritis and meningitis,” he adds, noting that tests for the infection are quick and easy. As described by Mayo Clinic they include: <ul> <li>Rapid antigen test. Your doctor may perform a rapid antigen test on a swab sample from your throat. This test can detect strep bacteria in minutes by looking for substances (antigens) in the throat. If the test is negative but your doctor still suspects strep, he or she might do a throat culture.</li> <li>Molecular (polymerase chain reaction, or PCR) test. This test also can be done using a swab sample from your throat.</li> <li>Throat culture. A sterile swab is rubbed over the back of the throat and tonsils to get a sample of the secretions. It's not painful, but it may cause gagging. The sample is then cultured in a laboratory for the presence of bacteria, with results available in a day or two.</li> </ul> “Sore throats are so common that people think they can’t be serious, but they can,” concludes Dr. Hardoon. “A lot of people wait too long and wind up fighting a case of strep far more serious than it needed to be if they had sought early intervention.” Gary Hardoon, MD, received a bachelor’s degree in biology and history from Cornell University. He got his medical degree from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Orlando Regional Medical Center. He practices at two Health First locations: 1810 Eldron Boulevard SE, Palm Bay, where the phone number is 321-312-3466, and in Rockledge.