Strep Throat
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Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus (group A strep) bacteria, which spread through contact with droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze. In addition to a sore and red throat, symptoms can include severe pain when swallowing, a fever of 101 degrees or above, or swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck. Your clinician can swab your throat to quickly see if group A strep bacteria are causing your sore throat; looking at your throat is not enough to make a diagnosis. If the test is positive, antibiotics will be prescribed to help you get well quickly, prevent complications, and keep you from spreading the infection.
Quiz
Key Facts
- Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria (called "group A strep").
- A medical test by your clinician is needed to tell if you have strep throat.
- People with strep throat should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
- Antibiotics taken for strep throat reduce the length of time you’re sick and help prevent the spread of infection to friends and family members.
Media
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Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of germs that cause strep throat and other infections. Do not drink from the same glass, eat from the same plate, or share utensils with someone who is sick.
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In addition to a sore and red throat, symptoms of strep throat can include severe pain when swallowing, a fever of 101 degrees or above, or swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck.
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If you’re diagnosed with strep throat, antibiotics reduce the length of time you’re sick as well as your symptoms. Antibiotics may also prevent the spread of infection to friends and family members and prevent complications, such as sinus infections and kidney problems. Be sure to finish the entire prescription, even when you start feeling better before the medicine is all gone.
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If you have been diagnosed with strep throat, stay home from work, school, or daycare until you have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours. This will help prevent spreading it to others.
Prevention Tips
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Wash your hands often.
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Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
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Do not drink from the same glass, eat from the same plate, or share utensils with someone who has strep throat or is sick.
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Avoid direct contact with someone who has strep throat, especially their saliva.
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If you have been diagnosed with strep throat, stay home from work, school, or daycare until you have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours. This will help keep others from getting sick.
- Page last reviewed: March 3, 2016
- Page last updated: March 3, 2016
- Content source:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Page maintained by: Office of Associate Director of Communication, Division of Public Affairs