You can only tell the difference between a sore throat and strep throat by their signs and symptoms.
Even though you can have both sore throat and Strep throat simultaneously, there's a way to differentiate them...
Strep throat is not associated with runny nose while sore throat is caused by cold which always includes runny nose.
Sore throat accounts to loss of voice in some cases, while Strep doesn't.
Pus patches are common in Strep throat while the one for sore throat is closely unrecognizable. There's an absence of of cough in Strep throat while present in sore throat.
Fever higher than 99.9 F is a common symptom of Strep throat while sore throat is not commonly associated with fever.
Doctors usually check signs such as vomiting, in diagnosing Strep throat not sore throat.
In some cases, can you tell the difference between a sore throat and strep throat on the skin. If there's rash especially on neck and trunk, it is Strep throat.
