Strep Throat

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, but strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus), also known as strep pharyngitis. Anyone can get strep throat, but it is most common in school-aged children. Adults and very young children under 2 who aren’t regularly exposed to older children are less likely to contract it.

Strep throat is treatable with antibiotics, but untreated infections can lead to serious complications.

Symptoms of strep throat

Common symptoms of strep throat include:

  • Sudden onset of a sore, red throat

  • Pain when swallowing

  • Red, swollen tonsils with white patches or pus

  • Small red spots on the roof of the mouth

  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

  • Fever and chills

  • Headache and muscle aches

  • Rash

  • Loss of appetite

  • Nausea or vomiting (especially in children)

Is strep throat contagious?

Strep throat is highly contagious. It spreads through:

  • Talking, coughing, or sneezing

  • Close contact, like shaking hands

  • Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose

You can be infectious for a few days before symptoms appear. Without antibiotics, you may remain contagious for 2–3 weeks. With antibiotics, you typically stop being contagious after 24 hours.

Who is at risk?

Strep throat is most common in children aged 5–15 years, though anyone can get infected. Risk factors include:

  • Being a child or a teenager

  • Spending time in large groups, such as schools

  • Infection season: more common in winter and early spring

Is strep throat the same as tonsillitis?

While both conditions affect the throat, strep throat and tonsillitis are different:

  • Strep throat: caused by the Group A Streptococcus bacteria

  • Tonsillitis: may be viral or bacterial, affecting the tonsils

You can have both conditions simultaneously, as strep throat can also involve the tonsils.

How is strep throat diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a physical examination of your throat by a doctor, discussing symptoms, and often taking a throat swab to determine if the infection is viral or bacterial.

How to treat strep throat

Antibiotics are usually required to treat strep throat. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve to prevent recurrence. Improvement typically occurs within 1–3 days.

Additional remedies to relieve symptoms include:

  • Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (avoid aspirin in children under 12)

  • Drinking plenty of fluids: water, herbal tea, or clear soups

  • Eating soft, nutritious foods

  • Gargling with salt water or using lozenges

  • Applying warm compresses to the neck

  • Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke

  • Getting plenty of rest

Complications of strep throat

Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications such as:

  • Infection spreading to the tonsils, sinuses, skin, blood, or the middle ear

  • Scarlet fever

  • Kidney inflammation

  • Rheumatic fever leading to heart disease

  • Post-streptococcal reactive arthritis

Can you prevent strep throat?

You can reduce the spread of strep infections by practising good hygiene:

  • Stay home when sick

  • Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of them immediately

  • Wash hands thoroughly before eating, after sneezing, and after caring for someone with strep throat

  • Avoid sharing dishes, cutlery, or glasses

  • Avoid preparing food for others while sick

When to see the doctor

Visit your doctor if you have symptoms of strep throat. Proper diagnosis ensures effective treatment and reduces the risk of complications.

Your local MediADVICE pharmacist is available to help with expert advice on managing coughs and sore throats and can recommend products that may be right for you. We can also refer you to a doctor if necessary.

Find your nearest store

Sources

1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Strep Throat: All You Need to Know,https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html
2Mayo Clinic, Strep throat,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338
3Healthdirect, Strep throat,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/strep-throat
4Mayo Clinic, Strep throat,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338
5Mayo Clinic, Strep throat,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338
6Healthdirect, Strep throat,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/strep-throat
7KidsHealth, Strep throat,https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/strep-throat.html
8KidsHealth, Strep throat,https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/strep-throat.html
9Streptococcal Infection Group A: Better Health Channel. Victorian Government. Accessed on 28th June 2023 fromhttps://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/streptococcal-infection-group-a
10Medical News Today, How to tell the difference between tonsillitis and strep throat,https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/tonsillitis-vs-strep-throat
11Healthdirect, Strep throat,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/strep-throat
12Mayo Clinic, Strep throat,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338
13Healthdirect, Strep throat,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/strep-throat

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Disclaimer

General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.