Strep, or Flu? What Your Symptoms Might Really Mean

Strep throat and the flu can start the same way: a sore throat, headache, and fatigue. But treating them as if they’re the same thing could mean getting the wrong medication, or no relief at all. Strep is caused by bacteria and often requires antibiotics. The flu is viral, and antibiotics won’t help. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms, understand the differences, and know when to seek help.

At UPharmacy, we can help guide you toward the right course of action. Whether you’re dealing with lingering symptoms or need help deciding if you should see a doctor, our licensed pharmacists in Calgary and Edmonton are ready to support you. 

Spotting the Differences Between Strep and Flu

1. Sore Throat vs Full-Body Symptoms

Strep throat typically starts with a sudden and severe sore throat, often without warning. It’s usually accompanied by:

• Pain when swallowing
• Red or swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches)
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• No cough or runny nose

The flu, on the other hand, hits the whole body. Common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Sore throat (milder and not the main symptom)

2. Onset and Progression

• Strep tends to come on quickly and is very localized in the throat.
• Flu develops over a few hours and affects multiple systems in your body, including your respiratory tract and muscles.

3. Causes and Treatments

• Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus bacteria. It usually needs an antibiotic, like penicillin or amoxicillin, to fully resolve and prevent complications like rheumatic fever.
• The flu is a virus, meaning antibiotics won’t work. Instead, rest, hydration, and antiviral medications (if prescribed early) can shorten the duration.

At UPharmacy, we can assess your symptoms and help determine the most likely cause. While we do not offer in-house strep testing, we can recommend the next best step, including whether to pursue testing or consult your doctor. We can also help with flu prevention, such as seasonal flu shots and treatment for symptom relief.

4. What If You’re Not Sure?

It’s common to feel uncertain. Many symptoms overlap, and illnesses like COVID-19 or RSV can also present similarly. That’s why it helps to speak with a pharmacist. We can guide you on:

• Whether your symptoms are mild enough for self-care with OTC medications
• If they point to something that might need a doctor’s attention
• How to prevent spreading the illness to others at home or work 

Find Support for Sore Throats and Flu at UPharmacy

Whether you’re fighting off strep throat or feeling wiped out by flu symptoms, UPharmacy is here to help. Our pharmacists in Calgary and Edmonton offer walk-in consultations, medication reviews, and symptom guidance to get you feeling better, faster. Don’t guess what you might have, contact UPharmacy today for expert care and clear next steps.