Whats the Difference Between a Cold, Strep Throat, 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. Strep throat, which is caused by Streptococcus bacteria, is one of the major causes of sore throats and tonsillitis. With strep throat, the sore throat is often more severe and persists. While a cold goes away on its own, strep throat usually requires antibiotics. Tonsillitis is a painful infection of the tonsils, the tissue masses located at the back of the throat.
