There is no such thing as viral strep throat, as this type of infection is not caused by a virus, but rather by specific bacteria known as group A streptococcus bacteria (also called GAS or Streptococcus pyogenes).
Although strep throat can affect anyone, it most frequently occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 15. It is typically diagnosed during the late fall, winter, and early spring. Symptoms can include fever, white patches of pus on the back of the throat, and a red and painful throat that begins suddenly.
A cough and/or runny nose do not usually occur in someone with strep throat. These symptoms are more common with a
sore throat caused by a virus. Strep throat also does not typically cause a sore throat for more than one week.
(Click Strep Throat for more details on this throat infection, including more information on the differences between a bacterial sore throat and a sore throat that is caused by a virus.)
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