Published on Mar 03, 2023 | 10:28 AM
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What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS). It is most common in children and adolescents but can affect adults as well. Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat typically requires antibiotic treatment to fully resolve and to prevent complications.
Because symptoms can overlap with viral illnesses, proper testing is important to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Strep throat usually begins suddenly and can cause significant throat pain. Symptoms often develop within 2–5 days after exposure.
Common symptoms include:
Severe sore throat without cough
Painful swallowing
Fever
Red, swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches)
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Children may also experience headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. A cough, runny nose, or hoarseness makes strep throat less likely and suggests a viral cause instead.
Strep throat spreads through respiratory droplets, such as coughing, sneezing, or close contact. It can also spread by sharing drinks, utensils, or touching surfaces contaminated with the bacteria and then touching the mouth or nose.
People are most contagious before treatment and during the first 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
Strep throat is diagnosed using throat testing, not symptoms alone.
Testing may include:
Rapid strep test
Throat culture (if rapid test is negative but suspicion remains high)
Accurate testing helps prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and ensures appropriate treatment when strep is present.
Strep throat is treated with prescription antibiotics, most commonly penicillin or amoxicillin. For individuals with penicillin allergies, alternative antibiotics may be used.
Treatment is important because it:
Shortens symptom duration
Reduces contagiousness
Prevents serious complications
Most people start to feel better within 24–48 hours of starting antibiotics. It is essential to complete the full course, even if symptoms improve.
Untreated strep throat can lead to complications, some of which may be serious.
Possible complications include:
Rheumatic fever
Kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis)
Peritonsillar abscess
Spread of infection to surrounding tissues
Prompt diagnosis and treatment significantly reduce these risks.
Medical evaluation is recommended if you or your child has a sore throat accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, or difficulty swallowing, especially without cough or cold symptoms.
Urgent care is needed for trouble breathing, drooling, neck stiffness, or inability to swallow fluids.
Call-On-Doc offers convenient, reliable care for strep throat through telehealth.
With a virtual visit, you can:
Review symptoms with a licensed provider
Get testing guidance when appropriate
Receive antibiotic treatment if strep is confirmed
Avoid unnecessary urgent care or clinic visits
Healthcare that fits your life — not your calendar.
updated 1/26/2026 Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.
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