Pharyngitis (sore throat) can be a symptom of a cold, flu, allergies, breathing dry or polluted air, laryngitis; as well as, more serious infections like mononucleosis (mono), strep and tonsillitis. Keep in mind, early stage symptoms are similar amongst the illnesses so it’s important to see a doctor if symptoms don’t improve or get worse after a week.
This week, Pharyngitis and Mono are What’s Going Around Central Florida, but what about your specific area of town?
Pharyngitis (sore throat) -the inflammation of the pharynx- is a very common medical condition. The following Centra Care centers have seen an increase in sore throat patients since last week:
- Hunter’s Creek up 300%
- Kissimmee up 500%
- Oviedo up 250%
- Sanford, Waterford Lakes and Winter Garden Village are each up 100%
Mononucleosis (mono) is an infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus – producing a fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands and extreme fatigue. Instances of mono:
- Doubled across all 18 Centra Care locations
- Increased 200% at Dr. Phillips Centra Care
- Increased 300% at Longwood Centra Care
LEARN MORE:
Sore Throat
Sore throats can be caused by both viruses and the streptococcus bacteria (also known as strep throat). Since the symptoms of strep throat and viral sore throats are the same, a doctor will often swab your throat to determine if you will need an antibiotic. If it's not strep throat, you won't need an antibiotic, since antibiotics do not kill viruses. But there are some things that can help reduce the pain:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids including, warm fluids like herbal teas
- Gargle with salt-water (mix 2 teaspoons salt to 1 pint water)
- Take over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Spray the throat with over-the-counter products like Cepacol, or try throat lozenges
See a doctor if you have a fever over 101 degrees.
Mono
Mono is highly contagious and usually lasts for one to two months. Below are the most common symptoms.
- Fever (ranging from 101-104) and chills
- Swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpits, and groin
- Swollen tonsils
- Headache and/or body aches
- Constant fatigue
- Sore throat (which may look like strep)
- Enlarged spleen, which can cause pain in the abdomen Liver involvement, such as mild liver damage that can cause temporary jaundice
Mono-symptoms of sore throat and fever typically last for several days, but fatigue can linger for several weeks. So get plenty of rest and keep hydrated by drinking clear fluids. Use Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen to treat sore throat, fever, and body aches.
Since mono is caused by a virus and is not receptive to antibiotics, you may be wondering… WHY DO I NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR?
- The symptoms of mononucleosis may resemble other medical conditions. A diagnosis can be confirmed with specific blood tests and laboratory tests.
- Mono can cause a rash if you take antibiotics such as penicillin, ampicillin, or amoxicillin because you mistook the illness for something else.
- Mono may cause your spleen to swell to 2 or 3 times its normal size. An enlarged spleen occurs in up to half of those with mono. A blow to the abdomen can cause an enlarged spleen to rupture. Due to the risk of infection, you should not play any contact sports until cleared by a doctor.
There 18 Centra Care Urgent Care locations – and a Florida Hospital certified physician on site – 7 Days a Week. For locations and phone numbers visit: www.CentraCare.org
Sincerely,
Florida Hospital Centra Care
407-200-CARE (2273)
To learn more about "What's Going Around" in our community you can listen to the Centra Care Senior Medical Director each Tuesday morning between 8am and 8:30am on 88.3FM radio - Z88.3