Strep Throat: Symptoms, When to See a Doctor & Common Questions
Strep throat is a type of throat infection that is most common during the winter months. But what are the main symptoms and causes, and how is it treated?
7 minute readWhat is strep throat?
Strep throat, or to give it its full name, streptococcal pharyngitis, is a type of bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria.
Many people carry strep A on their skin or in their throats without any problems, but sometimes it can cause infections such as impetigo, cellulitis and strep throat.
Symptoms of strep throat
Some people with strep throat may not have any symptoms. If you do experience symptoms, they may include:
A sore throat that comes on quickly
A sudden fever (a temperature above 38C)
Pain when swallowing
Red, swollen tonsils, possibly with white patches or streaks of pus
Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth (petechiae)
Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
Headache
Loss of appetite
Other symptoms that are more common in children may include:
Rash (scarlet fever)
Nausea or vomiting
Stomach pain
What causes strep throat?
Strep throat is caused by infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. It is highly contagious, which means it is easily passed from one person to another.
Strep throat can be spread either by direct contact or through droplets in the air.
You can catch strep throat by:
Touching a contaminated object like a tap, doorknob, or surface and transferring the bacteria to your eyes, nose, or mouth
Sharing food, drink, cups, plates, glasses or eating utensils with an infected person
Handling contaminated food
Close contact like kissing
Inhaling droplets that are expelled into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, laughs, or sings
Strep throat - risk factors
Anyone can get strep throat, but you may be at a higher risk if you:
Are between the ages of 5 and 15
Are elderly
Have a school-aged child
Spend time in a crowded environment such as a school, nursery, dormitory, or military facility
Are in frequent contact with children, such as a teacher, nanny, or healthcare professional
When to see a doctor
Strep throat in itself isn’t usually serious, but untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications.
Call your doctor or 111 if you or your child have symptoms of strep throat.
Seek medical attention if your child:
Has a sore throat that is getting worse or lasts longer than 48 hours
Is under three months old with a fever above 38ºC, or older than three months with a fever above 39ºC
Has a sore throat accompanied by a rash or swollen, tender lymph glands
Has difficulty breathing or swallowing
Has been diagnosed with strep throat and hasn’t improved after taking antibiotics for 48 hours
Is feeding or eating much less than normal
Is showing signs of dehydration
Is very tired or irritable
Seek medical attention if you:
Have a sore throat that is getting worse or not getting better after a couple of days
Have white patches around your tonsils
Have red spots on your tonsils or the roof of your mouth
Have a fever for over two days
Have difficulty breathing
Are drooling because you cannot swallow
Have swelling of your neck or tongue
Have a stiff neck or difficulty opening your mouth
Have a sore throat and a rash
Have a sore throat and a weakened immune system due to a chronic medical condition or medication
How is strep throat diagnosed?
Strep throat is diagnosed by taking a swab from your throat. Though unpleasant, this process is normally quick and shouldn’t be painful.
You can also buy a home test for strep A from your local pharmacy or online.
There are two types of tests for strep A, a rapid test, and a throat culture. The results of the rapid test are ready in around 15 minutes, but may occasionally give a false negative result.
If your rapid test result is negative, but your doctor suspects you have strep throat, a throat culture may be taken to double-check your result. The results normally take between two and five days.
Treatment for strep throat
Strep throat is treated with antibiotics. Take your medication exactly as your doctor tells you and finish the course, even if you feel better. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Home treatments for strep throat
As well as antibiotics, there are some things you can do at home to help relieve the symptoms of strep throat, including:
Take over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
Gargle with warm, salty water — dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, gargle, and then spit it out (not suitable for children)
Drink plenty of water
Eat cool or soft foods that are easy to swallow
Suck ice cubes, ice lollies, hard sweets, or lozenges
Avoid smoking, vaping or smoky environments
Complications of strep throat
Untreated strep infections can spread to other parts of your body, which can result in complications such as:
Ear or sinus infections
Abscesses (pus-filled pockets) around your tonsils
Guttate psoriasis — a skin condition that causes small, round, raised spots on the skin
Scarlet fever — an infection that causes flu-like symptoms and a rash
Rheumatic fever — an inflammatory condition that can affect the heart valves
Post-streptococcal reactive arthritis — a condition that causes inflammation of the joints
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis — a rare type of kidney disease
Invasive streptococcal infection — occurs when group A streptococcus bacteria spread to other parts of the body. It can cause life-threatening conditions such as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, and necrotising fasciitis.
Strep Throat FAQs
What’s the difference between strep throat and tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is a broad term to describe inflammation of the tonsils, whereas strep throat is a bacterial infection. Tonsillitis can be caused by viruses or bacterial infections, including strep throat.
How can I get rid of strep throat overnight?
Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to cure strep throat overnight. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics.
Does strep throat go away on its own?
No, strep throat doesn’t go away on its own and needs to be treated with antibiotics. Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications.
How long does strep throat last?
After starting antibiotics, you should start to feel better within a day or two. Symptoms usually clear up completely within seven to 10 days.
When can I go back to work or school if I have strep throat?
If you feel well enough and don’t have a fever, you can return to work or school 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
Is there a vaccine for strep throat?
There is currently no vaccine for group A streptococcus, the bacteria that causes strep throat.
Can strep throat be prevented?
Sometimes it isn’t possible to prevent strep throat, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, including:
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available
Covering your mouth with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze
Throwing used tissues away immediately
Not sharing personal items such as drinking glasses or eating utensils
Washing dishes in hot, soapy water or a dishwasher
How long is someone with strep throat contagious?
You are no longer contagious around 24 hours after starting antibiotics. People with untreated strep throat may remain contagious for up to a month.
How do I know if I have a virus or strep throat?
The only way to tell for sure if you have strep throat is by having a throat swab, but your sore throat is more likely to be caused by a virus if your symptoms include:
Cough
Runny nose
Conjunctivitis
Hoarse voice
Summary
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection, especially in children. It is treated with antibiotics. Strep throat is easily spread from person to person and left untreated can lead to serious complications.
If you or your child have symptoms of strep throat, make an appointment with your GP, or call 111 for advice.
