Strep Throat

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is the most common cause of sore throat in both adults and children in the United States. This bacterial infection affects the throat and tonsils, leading to symptoms like sore throat, fever and swollen lymph nodes. Unlike sore throats caused by viruses, strep throat needs to be treated with antibiotics to clear the infection.

If you think you or your child has strep throat, talk to your health care provider right away. Getting diagnosed and treated quickly can reduce symptoms, make you feel better faster, lower the risk of complications and help prevent the infection from spreading to others. A quick and painless throat swab test can confirm if you have strep throat, allowing for prompt treatment. 

Who is most likely to get strep throat?

People in three groups tend to get strep throat most often:

• Children between the ages of 5 and 15 since they often get exposed at school. Strep throat occurs commonly in children but is uncommon in those younger than age 3. 
• Family members and caregivers of school-aged children, including siblings, parents, teachers and caregivers.
• People who are often close to a lot of other people, such as those who live or spend time in households, daycares, schools, colleges and military barracks.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

Common symptoms of strep throat

• A severe sore throat that makes it painful to swallow.
• Fever that’s often higher than 101°F (38.3°C).
• Tender, swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck.
• Red and swollen tonsils that may have white patches or streaks.
• Red spots on the roof of the mouth (petechiae).
• Not feeling well.

Less common strep throat symptoms  

• Mild to moderate headaches.
• Stomachache, nausea or vomiting especially in children.
• A fine, red rash that feels like sandpaper. This can be a sign of scarlet fever, a form of strep throat.

When to see a doctor

It’s important to see a health care provider if these symptoms appear, as untreated strep throat can lead to complications.

What causes strep throat?

How strep throat spreads 

A type of bacteria called Group A Streptococcus causes strep throat. These bacteria spread easily from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale these droplets and catch strep throat. 

You can also get strep throat by contacting infected saliva or fluids from the nose. This can happen if you share utensils, cups or touch contaminated surfaces.

When are you contagious?

Strep throat can spread to others during the incubation period—about two to five days after exposure, even before symptoms appear. Once you start taking antibiotics, you’re usually no longer contagious after 24 to 48 hours. Without treatment, you could be contagious for up to a month.

Can you get strep throat more than once? 

Yes, it’s possible to get strep throat more than once, especially if you're exposed to someone who’s infected. Reinfection is more likely in crowded environments like schools or homes with multiple children. Practicing good hygiene and finishing antibiotics can help prevent repeat infections. 

When should you see a doctor for strep throat symptoms?

If you or your child are experiencing severe symptoms such as a high fever, difficulty swallowing, or a rash, it's time to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing complications, such as:

• Rheumatic fever (can affect the heart and joints)
• Kidney disease (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis)

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Banner Health offers quick access to care so you can get the right treatment and start feeling better fast. Schedule an appointment online to get the help you need. 

What does it mean to be a strep throat carrier?

Some people can have the bacteria that causes strep throat in their throat or on their skin without having any symptoms. They are called asymptomatic carriers. Even though they don't get symptoms, they can still spread the bacteria to other people.

Carriers are more likely to:

• Live or work in close quarters with someone who has strep throat.
• Have a weakened immune system.
• Be young children or adolescents.

If you think that you or someone in your household might be a carrier, talk to your health care provider for advice about reducing the chance that strep throat will spread.

What conditions can be mistaken for strep throat?

Other health conditions may seem like strep throat:

• Viral infections: Infections like the common cold and the flu can cause symptoms similar to strep throat. They may also cause a cough, which isn’t common with strep throat. Viral infections don't need antibiotic treatment and usually get better on their own with rest and treatment for symptoms.
• Allergies and postnasal drip: These conditions can have symptoms like strep throat but often cause sneezing, watery eyes and nasal congestion as well. Allergies are not contagious – you can treat them by avoiding triggers and taking allergy medications.
• Other bacterial infections: Infections like tonsillitis (an inflammation of the tonsils) could have symptoms similar to strep throat. Tonsillitis usually needs specific treatment, depending on what's causing it.

How is strep throat diagnosed?

A health care provider will collect a sample from the back of your throat with a throat swab and test it for Group A Streptococcus. A rapid strep test can detect antigens to streptococcus in minutes, so you can start treatment right away.

If your rapid strep test is negative, your provider may send a sample from your rapid test to a lab for a culture. A culture can show bacteria that a rapid test could miss. Results from a throat culture can take two or three days.

It's important to get an accurate diagnosis from a health care provider. That way, your provider can be sure that you have strep throat and not another condition that might need different treatment.

What are the treatment options for strep throat?

Antibiotics for strep throat 

Strep throat is caused by bacteria, so it needs to be treated with antibiotics. Your provider will likely prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin. If you're allergic to penicillin, other options like cephalexin or cefadroxil may be used. A one-time penicillin shot may also be an option for some people. 

It’s important to start antibiotics as soon as you're diagnosed. They help you feel better faster, reduce your risk of complications and lower the chances of spreading the infection to others. 

Home remedies to ease symptoms 

While antibiotics treat the infection, home care can help relieve symptoms. You can: 

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 
• Use throat lozenges or sprays with benzocaine or menthol to numb throat pain 
• Drink warm liquids and stay hydrated 
• Gargle with warm salt water 
• Rest as much as possible 
• Use a humidifier to soothe a dry or scratchy throat 

When you can return to school or work 

You’re generally no longer contagious 24 hours after starting antibiotics. At that point, most people can safely return to school, work or daycare—if they’re also feeling better. Be sure to check with your provider if you still have symptoms or a fever. 

Why finishing your antibiotics matters 

Even if you start to feel better after a day or two, it’s important to finish the full course of antibiotics. This ensures the bacteria are completely gone from your body and lowers the risk of complications or a return of symptoms. 

Completing treatment also helps prevent antibiotic resistance—when bacteria become harder to treat in the future. 

When to consider tonsil removal 

Removing the tonsils (a tonsillectomy) isn’t as common as it used to be. However, it might be worth discussing with your health care provider if you or your child has strep throat frequently, typically three or more times a year. A tonsillectomy may help reduce the number of infections and improve quality of life. 

Don’t wait to start treatment. Save your spot at a nearby Banner Urgent Care to get tested and treated quickly so you can feel better faster.  

What happens if strep throat is not treated?

Short-term risks 

Without treatment, strep throat symptoms can worsen or linger longer than they would with antibiotics. It can also lead to additional infections such as: 

• Ear infections 
• Sinus infections 
• Pockets of pus (abscesses) around the tonsils, which may require drainage 

Long-term complications 

Leaving strep throat untreated increases the risk of serious, sometimes long-lasting health problems: 

• Rheumatic fever – This rare but serious condition can affect the heart, joints, skin and brain. It’s most common in children ages 5 to 15 and can cause permanent heart damage. 
• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis – A type of kidney inflammation that can occur after a strep infection. While it often resolves on its own, in rare cases, it can lead to lasting kidney problems. 

Strep-related conditions to watch for 

Some other illnesses may develop from untreated strep throat: 

• Scarlet fever – This is a bacterial infection caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat. It usually affects children and appears as a red rash that feels like sandpaper, typically starting on the neck and chest. 
• Guttate psoriasis – A skin condition that causes small, red, teardrop-shaped spots, most often on the arms, legs and chest. 
• Invasive streptococcal infection – In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream or deep tissues, leading to life-threatening infections. 

Don’t wait to get help. Contact Banner Health to schedule an appointment and get the care you need to recover and avoid complications.

How can you prevent strep throat from spreading?

Steps to prevent strep throat 

Strep throat is highly contagious, especially in the first few days. To avoid spreading it to others: 

• Stay away from people who have strep throat until they’ve taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours. 
• Don’t share utensils, cups, food or other personal items—especially with someone who’s sick. 
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. 
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth. 

How to protect others in your household 

If someone in your home has strep throat: 

• Clean and disinfect shared surfaces and high-touch objects regularly, such as doorknobs, countertops, light switches and remote controls. 
• Keep drinking glasses, utensils, towels and toothbrushes separate. 
• Make sure the person with strep throat covers their mouth when coughing or sneezing and washes their hands frequently. 

Tips for boosting your immune system 

While good hygiene helps prevent the spread of strep, a healthy immune system also plays a role in reducing your risk. To support your immune health: 

• Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. 
• Stay physically active with regular exercise. 
• Get enough sleep—aim for 7 to 9 hours each night. 
• Manage stress in healthy ways, such as through relaxation, mindfulness or hobbies. 
• Stay up to date on other recommended vaccinations and checkups. 

Need care fast? Visit a Banner Urgent Care location or schedule an appointment online to get tested and treated quickly. 

Why choose Banner Health for strep throat care?

At Banner Health, we provide expert care for strep throat and other throat infections. With convenient online scheduling, walk-in urgent care clinics and access to specialists, we make it easy to get the care you need quickly. Our providers are committed to delivering compassionate and effective care.

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Contact Banner Health today to schedule an appointment and begin your path to recovery.