Sore throat that came on suddenly? Pain when swallowing? Fever or swollen glands?

You may be wondering if it is strep throat. A sore throat can come from several causes, including colds, flu, COVID, allergies, or strep throat. Strep testing can help a medical provider understand what may be causing your symptoms and recommend next steps.

MainStreet Family Care offers strep throat testing when appropriate.

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. The bacteria that cause strep throat are Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus.

Most sore throats are caused by viral infections, but strep is one of the most common bacterial causes of sore throat.

The bacteria that cause strep can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets when someone with a strep infection coughs or sneezes. It may also spread when you touch surfaces where infected droplets have landed, such as countertops, doorknobs, and faucet handles, and then touch your eyes, face, mouth, or nose.

Strep throat is common in the fall and winter when children return to school and more people spend time indoors. It is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15. Adults who have school-aged children or are in close contact with children, such as childcare providers, healthcare providers, and teachers, may also be at higher risk.

Is It Strep Throat?

A sore throat does not always mean strep, but certain symptoms may need a closer look.

Strep throat symptoms may include:

  • Sudden sore throat
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Decreased appetite
  • Red and swollen tonsils
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth
  • White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils

Some people may also experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or a rash. These symptoms are more common in children than adults.

Strep throat symptoms usually do not include a cough, hoarse voice, pink eye, or runny nose. Those symptoms are more common with viral infections, such as colds or other respiratory illnesses.

Because symptoms can overlap, a strep test may be needed to confirm whether strep is causing your sore throat.

Why Strep Testing Matters

Strep testing matters because strep throat is caused by bacteria, while many sore throats are caused by viruses. A strep test can help a medical provider determine whether strep may be causing your symptoms and recommend next steps.

If strep is confirmed, antibiotics may help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, reduce the chance of spreading it to others, and lower the risk of complications.

Antibiotics are not used for every sore throat. Many sore throats are viral and do not improve with antibiotics. Testing can help guide care and avoid unnecessary antibiotics.

Diagnosing Strep Throat

If you have symptoms of strep throat, a medical provider can review your symptoms, examine your throat and tonsils, and recommend testing when appropriate.

There are two common tests for strep throat: a rapid strep test and a throat culture. Both tests involve a swab of the throat and tonsils.

A rapid strep test checks the throat swab for signs of Group A Streptococcus. Results are usually available during the visit. If the rapid strep test is positive, your medical provider can recommend next steps.

In some cases, a throat culture may be recommended. A throat culture takes longer because the sample is sent to a laboratory to see whether Group A Streptococcus grows from the throat swab.

MainStreet Family Care urgent care services offer strep throat testing when appropriate.

Strep Throat Treatment

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that may require antibiotics. If strep is confirmed, a medical provider can recommend treatment when appropriate.

Common antibiotics used to treat strep throat may include amoxicillin or penicillin. Azithromycin may be used for some patients with a penicillin allergy. Always remind your medical provider of your known medication allergies and let them know if there is any chance you could be pregnant.

Some antibiotics may be administered as a one-time shot in the clinic, while others may be prescribed as pills. Many people begin to improve after starting antibiotics, but timing can vary. Follow your provider’s instructions and complete the full course if antibiotics are prescribed.

Tips for Taking Antibiotics

If you are prescribed antibiotics, follow the instructions on your prescription carefully. It is important to complete the full course, even if you start to feel better before the medication is finished.

Stopping antibiotics early can increase the chance that the infection returns and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

To help manage common antibiotic side effects, you can ask your medical provider or pharmacist whether these tips are appropriate for you:

  • Taking antibiotics with food to help reduce nausea or upset stomach
  • Asking whether probiotics or yogurt may be appropriate while taking antibiotics
  • Calling your provider if side effects are severe or concerning

Home Care for Strep Throat Symptoms

While antibiotics treat the bacterial infection when prescribed, there are a few things you may be able to do at home to help manage symptoms:

  • Drink fluids to help stay hydrated
  • Try warm liquids, such as broth, tea, or warm water with lemon
  • Try cold liquids, ice chips, or popsicles if they feel soothing
  • Gargle with salt water to help ease throat discomfort
  • Rest as much as possible
  • Eat soft foods, such as applesauce, pudding, or yogurt
  • Ask your provider whether over-the-counter pain relievers may be appropriate

Complications of Strep Throat

Untreated strep throat can sometimes lead to complications. Possible complications may include:

  • Ear infections
  • Sinus infections
  • Peritonsillar abscess
  • Scarlet fever
  • Rheumatic fever
  • Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
  • Bacteremia
  • Meningitis

Contact a medical provider if symptoms are worsening, not improving, or if you are concerned about possible complications.

For ongoing health needs, routine checkups, or follow-up care, MainStreet also offers primary care services at many locations.

When to Visit MainStreet Family Care

MainStreet Family Care can help evaluate sore throat and strep symptoms that are not life-threatening but may need testing or a closer look.

Consider visiting MainStreet for symptoms such as:

  • Sore throat with fever
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Swollen glands
  • White patches or streaks on the tonsils
  • Known strep exposure
  • Symptoms that are getting worse
  • Symptoms that are not improving
  • Questions about strep testing or next steps

When to Go to the ER

Go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1 if you have:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Trouble swallowing saliva
  • Drooling because swallowing is difficult
  • Severe dehydration
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
  • Fainting
  • Symptoms that feel life-threatening

Preventing Strep Throat

Strep throat can be painful and can interrupt work, school, and daily routines. It can also spread quickly through households, schools, daycares, workplaces, and other shared spaces.

To help reduce the spread of strep throat:

  • Wash your hands often
  • Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing
  • Wash your hands after using the restroom
  • Wash your hands before preparing meals or eating
  • Avoid touching your eyes, face, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, doorknobs, faucet handles, keyboards, light switches, and toilets
  • Do not share drinks, food, or toothbrushes with people who are sick
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Stay home when you are sick, based on your provider’s guidance

There is no specific vaccine for strep throat, but healthy habits may help support your overall health.

Turn to MainStreet Family Care

Concerned you may have strep throat? MainStreet Family Care can evaluate your symptoms, provide strep throat testing when appropriate, and recommend next steps.

Register online to save your spot in line! Online registration is not an appointment, but it can help reduce in-clinic wait times by adding you to the queue before you arrive.

Walk in patients are welcome, but will be added to the same queue as those who register online.