AREFA CASSOOBHOY: You wake up
with a burning feeling
in your throat,
and it hurts to swallow.
Do you have a sore throat
or the dreaded strep throat?
Asking two questions
can give you that answer.
Question Number 1.
Do you have a cough.
If you do, it's probably not
strep throat.
A cough is usually a symptom
of a cold but not strep.
Question Number 2.
Do you have a fever?
If it's 101 or higher,
it could be strep throat.
Strep is caused by bacteria,
so call your doctor to see
if you need antibiotics.
Amazingly, these two questions
are almost as effective as lab
tests.
So before you head
to the doctor, give yourself
a quick strep test.
For WebMD, I'm Dr. Arefa
Cassoobhoy.
