What medicine should I take if I have strep throat and a cold?
Recently, strep throat and colds have become a hot topic, especially during the change of seasons. Many people are troubled by throat discomfort and cold symptoms. This article will combine the hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to introduce in detail the appropriate drug selection for strep throat and colds, and provide structured data for reference.
1. Common symptoms of strep throat and colds

The symptoms of pharyngitis and a cold are similar, but pharyngitis focuses more on pain and discomfort in the throat, while a cold may be accompanied by systemic symptoms. Here is a comparison of common symptoms between the two:
| Symptoms | Pharyngitis | cold |
|---|---|---|
| sore throat | Yes | possible |
| cough | possible | Yes |
| Fever | possible | Yes |
| Stuffy nose/runny nose | less | Yes |
| General fatigue | less | Yes |
2. Recommended commonly used drugs for strep throat and colds
For strep throat and colds, drug selection needs to be differentiated based on symptoms. The following are the most popular drug recommendations on the Internet in the past 10 days:
| drug type | Drug name | Applicable symptoms | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| antipyretic analgesics | Ibuprofen, acetaminophen | Fever, sore throat | Avoid taking on an empty stomach |
| Topical medication for throat | Watermelon Frost Lozenges, Golden Throat Lozenges | Sore throat | Better effect if taken intrabuccally |
| antiviral drugs | Oseltamivir, Lianhua Qingwen | viral cold | Requires medical guidance |
| antibiotics | amoxicillin, cephalosporin | bacterial pharyngitis | Requires doctor's prescription |
| Cough and phlegm medicine | Dextromethorphan, Ambroxol | Cough and phlegm | Avoid use with sedatives |
3. Dietary management suggestions for strep throat and colds
In addition to drug treatment, dietary modification can also relieve symptoms. Here are the dietary recommendations that are hotly discussed across the internet:
| food/drink | Efficacy | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| honey water | Soothing throat and relieving cough | Diabetic patients should use with caution |
| pear soup | Clear away heat and resolve phlegm | People with weak constitution should drink less |
| ginger tea | Warm up the cold | Not suitable for those who get angry |
| White radish water | Anti-inflammatory and cough-relieving | Patients with stomach problems should drink a small amount |
4. Preventive measures for strep throat and colds
Prevention is better than cure. The following are the prevention methods that have been discussed more frequently on the Internet in the past 10 days:
1.Maintain indoor air circulation: Open windows regularly for ventilation to avoid the breeding of viruses.
2.wash hands frequently: Use soap or hand sanitizer to reduce the spread of the virus.
3.Enhance immunity: Appropriate supplement of vitamin C and regular work and rest.
4.Avoid contact with infected people: Reduce going to crowded places.
5.Wear a mask: Reduce the risk of infection, especially in public places.
5. When do you need medical treatment?
If the following situations occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly:
1. High fever that persists (exceeding 38.5℃ for more than 3 days).
2. Severe throat pain, affecting eating.
3. Shortness of breath or chest tightness.
4. Symptoms persist for a week without improvement.
5. Rash or other abnormal symptoms occur.
Summary: When you have strep throat and a cold, the choice of medication needs to be based on the symptoms, combined with dietary adjustments and preventive measures. If symptoms are severe or persist, seek medical attention promptly. I hope this article can provide you with practical reference information.
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