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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
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
5.4k views
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
5.4k views
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