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Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a sore throat, fever, and red tonsils. It's more common in children than adults, and it can be treated with antibiotics. Learn the symptoms of strep throat, how to tell it from other causes, and how to prevent it from spreading.
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Signs and symptoms of strep throat can include:
•Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
•Painful swallowing
•Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
•Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)
•Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
Call your doctor if you or your child has any of these signs and symptoms:
•A sore throat accompanied by tender, swollen lymph glands
•A sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours
•A fever
•A sore throat accompanied by a rash
•Problems breathing or swallowing
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Strep throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus.
Streptococcal bacteria are contagious. They can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks. You can also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose, mouth or eyes.
Several factors can increase your risk of strep throat infection:
•Young age. Strep throat occurs most commonly in children.
Spread of infection
Strep bacteria may spread, causing infection in:
Inflammatory reactions
Strep infection may lead to inflammatory illnesses, including:
To prevent strep infection:
•Wash your hands. Proper hand-washing is the best way to prevent all kinds of infections. That's why it's important to wash your own hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Teach your children how to wash their hands properly using soap and water or to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if there is no soap and water available.
•Cover your mouth. Teach your children to cover their mouths with an elbow or tissue when they cough or sneeze.
•Don't share personal items. Don't share drinking glasses or eating utensils. Wash dishes in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.
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By Mayo Clinic Staff
•Know the signs of strep throat in children
Jan 19, 2024 · Symptoms often include pain and fever. Some people are at increased risk. A simple test gives fast results. What to do if you've tested positive. What to do if you've tested negative. Antibiotics are used for treatment. Serious complications are not common. Protect yourself and others. Bacteria cause strep throat. Viruses cause most sore throats.
Jan 18, 2023 · If you fall into one of these groups and you develop symptoms of strep throat, you should get tested. Your symptoms might be due to strep-throat infection. What are the symptoms of strep throat in adults? The symptoms of strep throat in adults include: Sore throat. Pain with swallowing. Red spots on the back of the throat. White discharge or ...
Jan 7, 2020 · Patient Advice. Health. 7 Symptoms of Strep Throat in Adults. A suddenly very sore throat and fever are two of seven symptoms that can signal strep throat. By Elaine K. Howley. |. Jan....
- Elaine K. Howley
- Contributor
Overview. What is strep throat? Strep throat is an infection in your throat and tonsils (the lymph nodes in the back of your mouth). With strep throat, your tonsils become very inflamed. This inflammation typically affects the surrounding area of your throat as well, which causes a sore throat (pharyngitis).
Nov 20, 2023 · Common symptoms of strep throat include: red, sore, inflamed throat and tonsils. red spots on the roof of the mouth. pain when swallowing. white spots on tonsils. swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck. fever. chills and body aches. Other symptoms that can occur with strep throat include: headache. stomach pain. nausea or vomiting.