Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that affects the throat.  It is transmitted by direct contact with the mucus or saliva of someone else with the infection.  It can affect children and adults and is usually highly contagious.

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Strep Throat Q & A

 

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

The most common symptom is a sore/painful throat.  Strep may also present with:

• Swelling in the throat and/or tonsils

• Painful swallowing

• Decreased appetite

• headache

• fever, chills

• Fatigue

• Nausea/vomiting (more often in children)

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

• White patches in the throat and/or on the tonsils

• Small red spots on the roof of the mouth

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How is strep throat diagnosed?

  Strep throat can often be diagnosed just by a physical exam and history from your provider.  A rapid strep test can also detect the presence of strep bacteria.  This test is performed in the clinic by swabbing the back of the throat and the results take about 5 minutes.  If the rapid test is negative, but the provider still suspects a bacterial infection, they may order a throat culture to be sent to the lab and analyzed.  You will be called back with the results of the throat culture in a few days.

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How is strep throat treated?

Antibiotics are the recommended treatment for this bacterial infection.  Your provider will determine the best type and dose of antibiotics to prescribe based on your condition and health history (drug allergies, sensitivities, etc.).  You may also take over the counter Tylenol and ibuprofen as directed for relief of symptoms until the infection is gone.