When is a Sore Throat Actually Strep?

Sore Throat Symptoms | Strep Throat Symptoms | Diagnosis & Treatment | Importance of Treatment | Prevention | Alternative Diagnoses

Sore throats are a common ailment, especially during cold and flu season. While most sore throats are caused by viral infections and will resolve on their own, some are due to bacterial infections, specifically Group A Streptococcus⁽¹⁾. Knowing when a sore throat is caused by strep can help ensure proper treatment and a quicker recovery.

Symptoms of a Sore Throat

First, let’s review the general symptoms of a sore throat⁽²⁾. These can include:

• Pain or scratchiness in the throat

• Difficulty swallowing

• Red or swollen tonsils

• Hoarseness or loss of voice

• Mild fever

• Cough

• Runny nose

Most of these symptoms are typical of viral infections, which usually resolve without medical intervention. However, strep throat, caused by the bacteria Group A Streptococcus, presents some distinct symptoms.

Symptoms of Strep Throat

Strep throat has specific signs that differentiate it from a viral sore throat. Look for the following symptoms⁽¹⁾:

• Severe sore throat without coughing, sneezing, or other cold symptoms

• Sudden onset of throat pain

• Painful swallowing

• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus

• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth (petechiae)

• Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck

• Fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher

• Headache

• Rash (known as scarlet fever)

• Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children

Streptococcal pharyngitis

Scarlet Fever Rash

A case of strep throat

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you or your child experience the above symptoms, especially a combination of them, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. Strep throat needs to be diagnosed and treated with antibiotics to prevent complications and reduce the spread to others.

1. Rapid Strep Test: This quick test involves swabbing the throat and can provide results within 15 minutes. If the test is positive, it’s likely you have strep throat.

2. Throat Culture: If the rapid test results are negative, doctors often recommend a throat culture to confirm the absence of strep throat. This test is more accurate but takes longer to get results, usually 24-48 hours.

Once strep throat is confirmed, the doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin.

Importance of Treatment

Strep throat typically lasts around 3 to 5 days⁽³⁾, even with antibiotics. Most people start feeling better within 1 or 2 days of starting treatment. If symptoms persist beyond this timeframe, it’s essential to seek additional care from your doctor.

Treating strep throat with antibiotics is important for several reasons:

• Alleviates Symptoms: Antibiotics help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.

• Prevents Complications: Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications, including rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, or abscesses near the tonsils.

• Reduces Contagion: Proper treatment reduces the likelihood of spreading the infection to others.

Prevention Tips

To minimize the risk of contracting or spreading strep throat:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

• Avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils with someone who is sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.

• Stay home from work, school, or daycare until you’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours if diagnosed with strep throat.

Not Strep? What Else Could It Be?

If your sore throat doesn't come with the strep symptom package, there are other possibilities⁽³⁾:

• The Common Cold: Colds are notorious for causing sore throats alongside a runny nose, congestion, and maybe a cough.

• Mononucleosis (Mono): This viral infection can cause a very sore throat alongside fatigue and swollen lymph nodes.

• Allergies: Allergies can irritate your throat, causing soreness and scratchiness, especially during allergy season.

• Dry Air: Dry air can parch your throat tissues, leading to soreness and irritation.

REFERENCES

(1) Strep throat. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023, November 1). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/strep-throat

(2) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (n.d.). Sore Throat. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635

(3) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-b). Testing for strep throat or scarlet fever. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/testing/index.html