What Are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?

A sore throat is pain or irritation of your throat. Swallowing can make it feel worse. The most common cause of a sore throat, or pharyngitis, is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat from a virus will go away on its own.

Strep throat, also called a streptococcal infection, is a less common type of sore throat. Bacteria is the source. Strep throat needs treatment with antibiotics.

There are other, less common causes of a sore throat. They might need more treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Strep Throat?

Early strep throat symptoms include a sore throat that happens suddenly. In addition, you might develop a fever very quickly, with your highest temperature on the second day of infection.

Other signs of strep throat can include:

Pain or a scratchy feeling in your throat.
Pain that feels worse when swallowing or talking.
Trouble swallowing.
Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw.
Swollen, red tonsils.
White patches or pus on your tonsils.
A hoarse or muffled voice.
Headache.
Chills.
Loss of appetite.
Nausea and vomiting.
Abdominal pain.

How is Strep Throat Diagnosed?

If you think you might have strep throat, you should see your healthcare provider. The provider will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They might also give you a strep test. Viral illnesses can have the same symptoms as strep throat. That is why you must take a strep test to confirm the presence of streptococcus bacteria in your throat.

If you are not getting better, let your healthcare provider know right away. You should call if you have any of the following symptoms:

Fever for one or two days after feeling better.
Nausea or vomiting.
Cough.
Earache.
Headache.
Skin rash.
Swollen glands.
Shortness of breath.
Painful joints.
Muscle pain.
Dark urine, rash, or chest pain (may occur three to four weeks later).

Does Strep Throat Go Away on Its Own?

Strep throat will not go away on its own. Bacteria cause strep throat, and antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. Strep throat can lead to more serious illnesses if not treated, so it is important to start on antibiotics immediately.

How Can You Prevent Strep Throat?

The best way to prevent strep throat is by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. It is especially important to wash your hands before eating, to protect yourself, and after coughing and sneezing, to protect others. There are other steps you can take to prevent strep throat:

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
If possible, cough or sneeze into a tissue. Throw your used tissue in the garbage.
If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
Do not share cups and utensils with anyone who is sick, and do not share yours when you are sick.

Strep throat can cause fever, inflammation, and a severe sore throat. While the infection can be painful, it is easily treatable. Do not try to treat strep throat at home. A type of bacteria causes strep throat, so you will need an antibiotic to clear it up. You must receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. So, speak with a healthcare provider to get started on antibiotics. With proper treatment, your strep throat should be gone within 10 days.