What is strep throat?

It is estimated that strep throat sends more than five million people under age 65 to the doctor each year in the United States. And each year, these visits result in around 2.8 million antibiotic prescriptions. So if someone does get strep throat, they’re far from alone. But what causes such a common illness? How do people get strep throat, and what can they do to help reduce their chances of getting it? Here’s what to know.

In this article:

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is a common infection caused by group A Streptococcus (group A strep bacteria). Common symptoms may include a sore throat and pain when swallowing. Some people might also notice white patches on their tonsils. Headaches and nausea or vomiting can also happen, but they are less common.

Crowded settings and contact with children can increase someone’s risk of getting strep throat. Transmission can occur through respiratory droplets or close contact. Touching contaminated surfaces and then the nose or mouth is another way people can get strep throat. In the United States, infection rates tend to spike during the winter and spring.

Frequent handwashing may help people protect themselves and others from group A strep infections. It is recommended that people avoid sharing drinks or utensils and stay away from anyone showing symptoms of strep throat.

If someone does get sick, a health care provider can test for group A strep with a throat swab first, then decide if a throat culture is needed. The provider may prescribe antibiotics to help treat strep throat.

Strep throat vs. sore throat

While many sore throats can be caused by viruses, strep throat is caused by bacteria. Common symptoms of strep throat include fever and swollen tonsils, while sore throats caused by a virus might include a cough or runny nose. Strep throat requires antibiotics to treat, while many sore throats caused by a virus tend to get better on their own.

How can strep throat spread?

Strep throat spreads through respiratory droplets or close contact. That means things like coughing, sneezing or talking can transmit the bacteria. People can also get infected by touching contaminated surfaces and then their nose or mouth. Sharing drinks, personal items or utensils with someone who has strep throat can also increase someone’s risk of getting sick.

Symptoms of strep throat typically start appearing two to five days after exposure.

Risk factors for strep throat

Strep throat may be more likely to happen in certain situations. School-aged kids may be at higher risk for getting strep throat. Living in crowded places, like dorms or military barracks, can also increase someone’s risk of infection.

People with weakened immune systems may also be more vulnerable to serious infection. And poor hygiene, like not washing hands often, can make it easier for the bacteria to spread.

Strep throat symptoms

Common symptoms of strep throat may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Rash (a possible sign of scarlet fever)
• Red and swollen tonsils
• Sore throat that started quickly
• Stomach pain
• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
• White patches on tonsils

When to visit a health care provider for strep throat

If someone thinks they might have strep throat, they should visit a health care provider. They should also see a provider if their symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they get worse. Some signs of strep throat to look for include swollen lymph nodes, trouble swallowing or white patches on the tonsils.

A health care provider can test for infection by taking a swab from the back of the throat. That test shows if group A strep bacteria are the likely cause of illness. Strep throat can lead to more serious health problems when left untreated. Patients may need prescription treatment to get better, so getting tested is important. Visiting a health care provider can help people get the medication they may need to help feel better.

Strep throat treatment and symptom support options

Strep throat is typically treated with antibiotics. Many people’s symptoms may start to improve within 48 hours after starting the treatment, but the full course of antibiotics usually lasts about 10 days. It’s important to complete the entire course of treatment to ensure the infection is fully gone, even if symptoms have resolved and the person starts to feel better.

Over-the-counter (OTC) options like ibuprofen may also help temporarily relieve certain symptoms of strep throat. If things don’t improve after two days of starting an antibiotic, follow up with a health care provider.

Before using any new medications, especially alongside a prescribed antibiotic, it’s important to check with a health care provider to make sure they are safe to use together.

Complications from strep throat

Complications from strep throat may include:

• Abscesses around the tonsils or in the neck
• Ear infections
• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease)
• Rheumatic fever (a disease affecting the brain, heart, joints and skin)
• Sinus infections

Key takeaways

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection. A sore throat is a common symptom, but other symptoms may also appear. The illness can be more common in children and may be seen more in the United States during the winter and spring months. People in crowded places may have a higher chance of getting strep throat from close contact.

Good hygiene, like frequent handwashing, can help prevent people from getting strep throat. If someone starts experiencing strep throat symptoms, it’s important that they visit a health care provider. That way, they can get proper treatment and may help prevent possible complications.

It was last reviewed by a CVS clinician on August 27, 2025.