Strep

Throat

Strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis) is a bacterial infection that occurs in the back of the throat and the tonsils. The infection often causes inflammation in the throat, which makes it painful to swallow.

People sometimes confuse strep throat with the flu since there can be overlapping symptoms, such as fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. If your throat feels very painful and swollen or you see red patches or dots in the back of your throat, it’s likely to be strep.

Infection caused by streptococcal bacteria is very contagious. You’re most likely to get strep throat in late winter or early spring. It’s very common in younger children aged 5 to 15, but anyone can get it.

A painful, swollen throat is the most common symptom of strep throat infection.

Other strep throat symptoms include:

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Throat pain that develops suddenly

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Painful or swollen lymph nodes

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Trouble swallowing

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Red and swollen tonsils

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White patches in the throat

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Swelling or redness in the back of the throat

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Headache

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Nausea/loss of appetite

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Stomach pain

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Fever or chills

If you see red patches or dots in the back of your throat, it’s likely caused by strep infection.

Strep throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A Streptococcus.

Factors that increase the risk of getting strep throat include young age (children are more likely to get it) and the season. Most strep infections occur in winter and early spring, in part because people tend to be in close contact during this time of year.

Viral pharyngitis—another common cause of sore throat—usually has different symptoms, such as fatigue, nasal congestion, cough, sneezing, hoarseness, ear pain, and sinus discomfort.
 

A strep throat test can confirm whether the cause of your symptoms is strep throat, but our online doctors can provide an online diagnosis and prescribe medications without a strep test.

Receive a prescription for strep throat medicine without lab testing or appointments. We’ll help you get relief for your strep throat symptoms quickly and easily.
 

Strep throat is treated with oral antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, Augmentin, or azithromycin. Antibiotics are an effective treatment since strep throat is a bacterial infection. We provide same-day strep throat treatment online. Get antibiotics with no insurance required.  
 

Follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan. If this includes oral antibiotics, be sure to take all the pills as prescribed. Do not stop taking your medication for strep throat when you start to feel better. This can cause the infection to return.
 

You can help prevent strep infections by avoiding close contact with people who are sick or have symptoms of strep throat such as a painful, swollen throat or trouble swallowing.

Wash your hands with soap and water frequently. If you have strep throat, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze to avoid possibly spreading the infection to others.
 

You can order prescriptions online after a virtual consultation with one of our medical professionals.

We prescribe the following antibiotics for strep throat:

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Amoxicillin

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Penicillin

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Augmentin

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Azithromycin

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Cefuroxime

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Cefdinir

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And More!

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Strep Throat Overview

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FAQ

Yes. Some people get strep throat repeatedly. You do not become immune to strep throat after recovering from an infection.
Yes, although people who are displaying symptoms of infection are more likely to spread the bacteria. Infected people can be contagious 48 hours before symptoms present.
Strep throat patients generally need to take prescribed antibiotics for at least 24 hours before ceasing to be contagious to others. You may need to take antibiotics for up to ten days to ensure complete recovery. Be sure to follow the full treatment plan given to you by your strep throat online doctor.
Yes. However, a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) can reduce the incidence of strep throat, and this procedure is sometimes recommended for children who get repeated infections.
No.
A strep infection is caused by bacteria (specifically group A streptococcus), but most cases of sore throat are caused by a viral infection. If your throat is sore, it most likely isn’t caused by a group A streptococcus infection. You should look for symptoms specific to strep throat infections.
If you have a cough, nasal discharge, or red eyes, it's likely you have a viral sore throat, not strep throat. If you’re not certain, contact CallonDoc for help in getting a screening diagnosis.