A member asked:

How can i distinguish between a viral fever caused by cold and a fever caused by strep bacteria?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Terence Grogan answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

You can't : Viral and bacterial infections both cause fevers. To diagnose a viral verses bacterial infection a history and physical and appropriate studies are required.

Answered 3/31/2016

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YOU cannot: Only medical persons can test for streptococcal infection. It requires a simple swab test. It is extremely unwise to leave such an infection go untreated, as it could have life-long cardiac consequences. Viral infections are not treated by antibiotics, while strep (a bacteria) is.

Answered 4/15/2018

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