What is strep throat?

Strep throat causes over five million visits to the doctor's office each year for people younger than 65 years old. It is estimated these visits may result in 2.8 million antibiotic prescriptions, annually. So if someone does get strep, they are far from alone. But what causes such a common illness? How do people get strep and what can they do to help avoid getting it? Check out the article below to find out.

In this article:

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is a common infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) bacteria. A few common symptoms may include a sore throat and pain when swallowing. Some people might notice little white spots around their tonsils. Headaches and nausea or vomiting can develop, too, but they are less common.

The bacteria that cause strep thrive indoors and like environments where people are more likely to be in close contact. The infection is more likely to spread to others when in close contact with another person with strep throat. Contact with children and crowded settings can increase the risk of getting strep throat. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets, and the infection is most common in school-aged children. Touching contaminated surfaces, and then the nose or mouth, can also get people sick. That’s why infection rates tend to spike during the winter and early spring.

Frequent handwashing can help people reduce the spread of bacteria. It is recommended to avoid sharing drinks or utensils and to stay away from people who are showing symptoms of strep throat.

If someone does get sick, they can be diagnosed quickly with a throat swab. Antibiotics can help resolve the bacterial infection and symptoms, and the sooner they start treatment, the less likely they are to spread the infection to people around them.

Strep throat and other reasons for a sore throat

Strep throat is caused by bacteria, while sore throats are often viral. Strep throat can also produce more severe symptoms, like a fever and swollen tonsils. Sore throats caused by a virus or allergies, on the other hand, can come with things like a runny nose or cough. Strep throat also requires antibiotics, while sore throats caused by a virus or allergies tend to get better on their own.

How does strep throat spread?

Strep throat spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and spreads tiny droplets through the air. People can also get sick by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their nose or mouth. Sharing drinks, utensils or personal items with someone who has strep throat can increase the risk of getting strep. Close contact with an infected person, such as kissing or hugging, can transmit the bacteria, too.

Symptoms typically start appearing two to five days after exposure.

Strep throat symptoms

Soreness is usually the first sign of strep throat. But the infection can also introduce other symptoms, including:

• Sore throat that started quickly
• Fever
• White spots on tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
• Abdominal pain
• Enlarged tonsils
• Headache
• Nausea
• Rash

When to visit a doctor about strep throat

If someone thinks they might have strep throat, it's a good idea to visit a health care provider. Same goes for when a sore throat lasts more than a few days. Other signs to look for are trouble swallowing, swollen lymph nodes or white spots on the tonsils.

Health care providers can test for infection by taking a swab from the back of the throat. That sample is then checked for bacteria that cause strep throat. Patients may need prescription treatment to get better, so getting tested is important. Strep throat can also lead to more serious health problems when left untreated. Visiting a health care provider can help people get the medication they may need to feel better.

How is strep throat treated?

Strep throat is typically treated with antibiotics. These medications help to kill the bacteria causing the infection. Most people start to improve within 24 to 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 the symptoms have resolved and the person starts to feel better.

Over-the-counter (OTC) options like ibuprofen can also help to support symptom relief. If things don’t improve after a few days of starting an antibiotic, it's a good idea to follow up with a health care provider.

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

Complications from strep throat

Strep throat can sometimes cause complications. This happens when the immune system overreacts to the bacteria, leading to inflammation in places like the heart or kidneys. Strep can also spread from the throat to other areas, such as the ears, sinuses or lungs, causing new infections. People with weakened immune systems may also have a harder time fighting off the infection. These complications may include:

• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Rheumatic fever
• Scarlet fever
• Sinus infections

Risk factors for strep throat

Strep throat is more likely to happen in certain situations. School-aged kids are often put in close contact with others. As a result, they may end up getting sick more often than adults. Living in crowded places, like dorms or military barracks, can increase someone’s risk of infection, too.

People with weak immune systems, like those who are very young, very old or already sick, are also more vulnerable to infection. And poor hygiene, like not washing hands often, can make it easier for the bacteria to spread.

Key takeaways

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection. A sore throat is usually the first sign of infection, but a handful of other symptoms may also appear. The illness is most common in children and teens, especially during the winter and early spring months. But it also spreads more easily in crowded places. Good hygiene, like frequent handwashing, can help prevent people from getting sick. 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 help to avoid complications.