Strep Throat Symptoms & Treatment - Good Life Family Medicine

Strep throat is a painful bacterial infection caused by a bacteria known as Group A Streptococcus. It’s more common in children than adults, but anyone in contact with kids is more at risk. Read on for details about the symptoms of strep throat, treatment recommendations, and more.

What are the most common symptoms of strep throat?

Sudden and severe throat pain
Pain and discomfort when swallowing
Red and swollen tonsils – sometimes with white spots
Headache, chills, or body aches
Fever of 101 degrees or higher
Nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting
Some people may develop a rash called scarlet fever

What is the difference between strep and a sore throat?

While both are painful, they differ in several ways.

Bacteria cause strep throat, but a virus causes a sore throat.
A sore throat often occurs with a cold. If you have a runny nose and a cough, the pain in your throat is most likely a sore throat rather than strep.
A sore throat may cause a mild fever, but throat pain accompanied by a fever over 101 is often a sign of strep.
Strep causes severe pain that lingers and hurts when swallowing. A sore throat can be painful but usually only lasts a few days before symptoms lessen.

What to do if you think you have strep throat

If you think you or a loved one has strep throat, see a healthcare provider for a rapid strep test or throat culture. Usually, all it takes is a quick throat swab to confirm the diagnosis.

Once strep throat is confirmed, your provider will likely prescribe an antibiotic. Most treatments last 10 days, even though you’ll start feeling better after 1-2 days on antibiotics.

An accurate diagnosis is essential because:

Antibiotics will help you recover faster and be less contagious, allowing you to return to work or school sooner.
Strep throat can lead to complications like kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever if left untreated.
An accurate diagnosis helps you avoid unnecessary antibiotics, which can affect your health.

How to manage strep throat

Antibiotics will treat the infection, but it’s essential to take the entire prescription – even if your symptoms improve before you finish the medication.

Follow these tips to manage your symptoms and feel better:

Drink plenty of water or warm liquids that can soothe your throat.
Take over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever and relieve pain.
Gargle with warm salt water.
Choose soft foods like hot soup or milkshakes.
Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.

How long is strep throat contagious?

The bacteria that causes strep throat is very contagious. Strep typically spreads through direct contact or airborne droplets when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes. It usually takes 2-5 days after exposure to the bacteria before you start experiencing symptoms.

People who take antibiotics become less contagious after 24 hours. However, those who don’t take antibiotics can spread the bacteria for a couple of weeks.

Your Health is Where the Good Life Starts

If you have symptoms of strep throat, contact Good Life Family Medicine today. Our experienced staff in College Station is trained to diagnose and treat a variety of minor illnesses, including strep. Book an appointment online or call for a same-day appointment!

Strep Throat Symptoms and Treatment: What You Need to Know