Strep throat and just a sore throat what's the difference?

[greenbananas29]

There's quite a few kids off in my DS class at the moment with Strep throat and sore throats. My DS started up with a sore throat yesterday afternoon and a high temp, today no temp but still complaint is sore throat and neck area.
How do I know if it's just a sore throat or strep throat? Should I take him to the doctors anyway?

When I had it my voice sounded really thick and weird, I could barely swallow, and I had swollen lumps on my neck, as well as the excruciating throat pain! Pain went all into my jaw, mouth, teeth as well. I ended up giving it to DM and DS. If it’s going round then I’d take him to the docs if I was you. They will be able to tell from looking.

Sore throat + fever is a sign of strep. Strep is also highly contagious so if classmates have it, it’s likely your DC caught it. Different strains of strep can be mild or very bad. I’d go to doctors for a throat swab tbh.