Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to See a ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to See a Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
This article will discuss the symptoms of strep throat, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention tips.
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Strep Throat Symptoms
A strep throat infection can cause a variety of symptoms that can appear quickly.
Common symptoms may include:
While a fever is a common symptom of strep throat, not everyone will have a fever. However, a fever does raise the chances of having strep throat.
In some cases, strep throat may also cause a rash. This is known asscarlet fever.
Frequent and Rare Strep Throat Symptoms
If strep throat is suspected, a healthcare provider will likely perform a rapid strep test to formally diagnose strep throat.
A rapid strep test can detect whether group AStreptococcusis present in the throat within minutes. As well as causing strep throat, this bacteria can also cause:
During a rapid strep test, a healthcare provider will use a tongue depressor to press down the tongue and examine the throat and mouth.
They will use a soft cotton swab to brush over the area around the tonsils and the back of the throat. This may cause a small amount of pain and may also cause slight gagging. In some cases, two swabs are taken so that if the rapid strep test comes back negative, the other swab can be sent to a lab for further testing.
Results are usually available within 15 minutes of the test being performed.
How Strep Throat Is Diagnosed
If the rapid strep test is positive (or further testing indicates the presence ofStreptococcus),antibiotics will be prescribed. These drugs help prevent more serious illnesses likerheumatic fever(an inflammatory disease that develops after aStreptococcusinfection and can damage the heart).
Amoxicillin and penicillin are two common antibiotics used in the treatment of strep throat. While symptoms may ease within a few days, antibiotics should be taken for a full course (often 10 days). It is important that you finish the entire course of antibiotics.
A sore throat can be eased at home. Try:
Prevention Tips
Being infected with strep throat will not offer protection from being infected again. There are ways to prevent strep throat transmission.
These include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you or your child have a sore throat or any other symptoms, you should contact a healthcare provider.You should also contact a healthcare provider if symptoms don’t improve within 24 to 48 hours of starting antibiotics.
Summary
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever.
Although fever is a common symptom of strep throat, it is possible to have strep throat and not have a fever. You are still contagious even without a fever if you have strep throat.
Strep throat can be diagnosed with a rapid strep test involving a swab of the throat. It is treated with antibiotics.
A Word From Verywell
A sore throat can be painful and distressing. If you suspect you or your child may have strep throat, it is important to contact a healthcare provider. They will be able to test you for strep throat and, if necessary, prescribe antibiotics to make you feel better.
Frequently Asked QuestionsStrep throat is highly contagious. Not everyone with strep throat will have a fever. But even without a fever, you are contagious if you have strep throat.Learn MoreHow Contagious Is Strep Throat?Strep throat may cause a variety of symptoms. Most common symptoms include:PainFeverSore throatNo coughTesting for strep throat involves a rapid strep test. This involves using a cotton swab rubbed around the back of the throat. Results are available quickly, within 15 minutes.
Strep throat is highly contagious. Not everyone with strep throat will have a fever. But even without a fever, you are contagious if you have strep throat.Learn MoreHow Contagious Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is highly contagious. Not everyone with strep throat will have a fever. But even without a fever, you are contagious if you have strep throat.
Learn MoreHow Contagious Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat may cause a variety of symptoms. Most common symptoms include:PainFeverSore throatNo cough
Strep throat may cause a variety of symptoms. Most common symptoms include:
Testing for strep throat involves a rapid strep test. This involves using a cotton swab rubbed around the back of the throat. Results are available quickly, within 15 minutes.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Strep throat: all you need to know.University of Utah.4 tell-tale signs you have strep throat.Nemours Kids Health.Strep throat.Nemours Kids Health.Strep test: rapid.Penn Medicine.Strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis).Health direct.Sore throat (pharyngitis).Mount Sinai.Strep throat.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Strep throat: all you need to know.University of Utah.4 tell-tale signs you have strep throat.Nemours Kids Health.Strep throat.Nemours Kids Health.Strep test: rapid.Penn Medicine.Strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis).Health direct.Sore throat (pharyngitis).Mount Sinai.Strep throat.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Strep throat: all you need to know.University of Utah.4 tell-tale signs you have strep throat.Nemours Kids Health.Strep throat.Nemours Kids Health.Strep test: rapid.Penn Medicine.Strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis).Health direct.Sore throat (pharyngitis).Mount Sinai.Strep throat.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Strep throat: all you need to know.
University of Utah.4 tell-tale signs you have strep throat.
Nemours Kids Health.Strep test: rapid.
Penn Medicine.Strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis).
Mount Sinai.Strep throat.
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