It is possible to contract strep throat and the flu simultaneously. While not common, these two distinct infections can occur simultaneously.
Why Co-infection is Possible
Influenza (flu) is a viral infection caused by influenza viruses, primarily types A and B. These viruses target the respiratory system. Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus or GAS). This bacterium typically infects the throat and tonsils.
Because the flu is viral and strep throat is bacterial, having one does not provide immunity against the other. A viral infection like the flu can weaken the body’s immune system, making it more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. This weakened state can create an opportunistic environment for bacteria like Group A Strep to take hold.
Identifying Symptoms
The flu often presents with a sudden onset of symptoms such as high fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, headache, and a dry cough. A runny or stuffy nose and sore throat are also common. These symptoms can appear one to four days after exposure to the virus and may last for about two to eight days.
Strep throat typically begins with a sudden, severe sore throat, often accompanied by pain when swallowing. Other common indicators include fever, red and swollen tonsils that may have white patches or streaks of pus, and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth. Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck, headache, and body aches can also occur, but a cough is generally absent with strep throat. While some symptoms like fever, headache, and body aches overlap, distinguishing features like the absence of a cough in strep throat or prominent respiratory symptoms with the flu can provide clues. However, relying solely on symptoms for diagnosis is challenging due to these overlaps.
Confirmation and Care
Accurate diagnosis of strep throat and the flu requires medical testing. For strep throat, a rapid strep test or throat culture is used. A rapid strep test provides quick results, often within minutes, by detecting Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Rapid tests are reliable for screening, but a throat culture is more accurate, though results take 1 to 2 days. For the flu, tests like a rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) or PCR test confirm influenza viruses.
Treatment approaches differ for each infection. The flu, being viral, is treated with antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivax), or baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza). These antivirals are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Strep throat, a bacterial infection, is treated with antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin. Completing the full course of antibiotics is important to prevent complications. If both infections are diagnosed, a healthcare provider would prescribe both antiviral and antibiotic medications. Supportive care, including rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers, can help manage symptoms for both conditions.
Managing Risks and Staying Healthy
Having both strep throat and the flu simultaneously can lead to more severe illness and prolonged recovery. Co-infection increases the risk of complications, such as secondary bacterial pneumonia. Other potential complications include sinus infections or ear infections. For strep throat, untreated infections can lead to serious conditions like rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart, joints, and nervous system, or kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis).
Preventative measures are important to reduce the risk of both infections. An annual flu vaccination is an effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. Practicing good hand hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, helps prevent the spread of both viral and bacterial pathogens. Avoiding close contact with sick individuals and covering coughs and sneezes also contribute to limiting transmission.