Giant Microbes Plush - Sore Throat-Streptococcus

These Giant Microbes Dolls are a Million times their Actual Size! GIANT microbes are health and science products for humorous, educational, collectible, and Smart fun! Products include printed cards with fun fascinating facts. Unique gifts for students, scientists, teachers, health professionals & anyone with a healthy sense of humor!

All About Sore Throat-Streptococcus

No one likes having a sore throat, unless it's a Giantmicrobe! Find out what makes Streptococcus bacteria more than just your average sore throat virus.

When staph drops by, visiting hours are over.

FACTS: Streptococcus bacteria cause about 15 percent of sore throats; viruses cause most of the rest! It can be difficult to tell if your sore throat is being caused by strep or by a virus, but it is important to try. Viral sore throats can only be soothed with such remedies as lozenges, gurgling salt or vinegar, or drinking honey or peppermint tea. However, strep throats can be cured easily by taking antibiotics such as penicillin. (Also, if strep throat is left untreated, it can develop into a more serious disease such as rheumatic fever, which can cause heart problems).

So how can you tell the difference? Viral sore throats are often accompanied by symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, watery eyes, hoarseness, and diarrhea. Strep throat symptoms include sudden fever, stomach aches, and swollen glands. (Strep is also much more common during the winter.)

Even so, the only way to be certain is to get a throat culture. If you have a sore throat that lasts for several days (or a fever), you probably should consult a physician.