What is the primary difference between viral and bacterial pharyngitis?

Bacterial pharyngitis typically presents with more severe symptoms compared to viral pharyngitis, making this the correct distinction. In cases of bacterial infections, especially streptococcal pharyngitis, patients often experience intense throat pain, higher fever, and may develop swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms can be more pronounced than those seen in viral infections, which tend to produce milder symptoms such as a scratchy throat, lower-grade fever, and general malaise.

While viral pharyngitis can sometimes result in significant throat discomfort, these symptoms generally do not reach the intensity often seen in bacterial cases. Additionally, bacterial pharyngitis can lead to more serious complications, such as rheumatic fever or peritonsillar abscess, which also underscores the severity associated with bacterial rather than viral infections.

Other options highlight characteristics associated with either viral or bacterial pharyngitis, but do not accurately capture the primary difference in symptom severity that distinguishes bacterial infections from viral ones.