Whats the difference between a cold, a bacterial throat infection, and tonsillitis?
A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold. However, a sore throat from a cold often gets better or goes away after the first day or two. Other cold symptoms such as a runny nose and congestion may follow the sore throat. A bacterial infection of the throat is usually caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, and is one of the major causes of sore throat and tonsillitis. With a streptococcal infection, the sore throat is often more severe and persists for longer. While a cold goes away on its own, a streptococcal infection usually requires antibiotics. Tonsillitis is a painful infection of the tonsils, the tissue masses located on either side of the back of the throat.
