Treating strep (or sore) throat

The most common cause of strep throat is close contact with someone who has group A Streptococcus bacteria, which live in the throat and nose. Viruses, however, cause most sore throats. Allergens and irritants can also trigger sore throats, but they account for the fewest cases.

Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection. It can be spread in the following ways: 

• Respiratory droplets: Tiny water droplets carrying the strep bacteria from an infected person can spread strep throat. Coughing, sneezing or talking releases these droplets. Strep throat spreads when someone breathes in the droplets or touches their mouth or nose after contacting a surface contaminated with the bacteria in the water droplets. 
• Direct contact: Some people have skin sores containing group A Streptococcus bacterium. You may get strep throat if you touch one of the sores or have contact with a surface contaminated by the fluid from these sores.

Consider making an appointment with MinuteClinic® if you experience:

• Pain while swallowing or a fever
• Symptoms of strep throat, such as white patches on the tonsils or swollen glands
• Recurring sore throats or tonsillitis
• A sore throat that doesn’t go away

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There are several key differences between a sore throat and strep throat. A sore throat can be one of the first indicators of a cold, but not always. This type of sore throat usually improves or goes away after a day or two. A runny nose and congestion may follow.

Viral infections that cause colds do not respond to antibiotics. Postnasal drip, allergies and cigarette smoke can also make your throat hurt.

While viruses, allergies or irritants cause most sore throats, group A Streptococcus bacteria causes strep throat. Strep throat is contagious and requires antibiotic treatment.

Sore throat

If you have a common sore throat, you might experience:

• A runny nose
• A voice that sounds hoarse, raspy or strained
• Coughing
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

Strep throat

The most common symptom of strep throat is a sudden and severe throat that escalates quickly, without a cough. You might also experience:

• Fever and pain when swallowing
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting, especially in children
• Rash (scarlet fever)
• Small, dark red spots on the roof of the mouth, toward the back
• Swollen and red tonsils, sometimes with white patches containing pus
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck

It's possible to have some of these signs and symptoms but not have strep throat. These symptoms could also be from a viral infection or other illness.

Rapid strep (antigen) test: Rapid strep tests look for strep-related antigens. An antigen is a substance that causes the immune system to react. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes to get the results of a rapid test. A health care provider uses a cotton-tipped swab to collect a sample from the back of your throat.

Throat culture: A throat culture checks for group A Streptococcus bacteria, which cause infection. However, it takes longer to get results — typically 24 to 48 hours. Like the rapid test, a throat culture requires a sample from the back of your throat.

Antibiotics are the most common treatment since strep throat is caused by bacteria. Antibiotics treat strep throat by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. Many health care providers prescribe oral antibiotics. These are antibiotics that are taken by mouth. After starting antibiotics, it takes one or two days to see an improvement. Take the  antibiotic for the full number of days prescribed to you to get rid of the infection completely. Stay home from work, school or daycare until you no longer have a fever or as directed by your health care provider.

Our providers at MinuteClinic® can administer a strep test to diagnose you or a loved one with strep throat.

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Some ways to ease your symptoms include:

• Gargling with salt water
• Increasing your fluid intake
• Sucking on soothing lozenges

Your health care provider may recommend an over-the-counter medication. Running a humidifier can be helpful because dry air can cause throat irritation.

• Avoid touching your face: Especially between hand washes
• Contain the spray of respiratory droplets: Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inner crook of your elbow
• Do not share items: These include eating utensils, drinking glasses and towels
• Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water (or use hand sanitizer), especially after using the bathroom and before eating

If strep throat is left untreated, there is a risk of:

• Abscess: The bacteria that cause strep throat may cause pockets of pus to develop around the tonsils. This is a condition known as a peritonsillar abscess.
• Ear infection: An ear infection can develop if bacteria travel from the throat to the inner ear. These infections cause ear inflammation and pain.
• Rheumatic fever: A disease affecting the heart, joints, brain and/or skin.
• Scarlet fever: Left untreated, the bacteria can also cause scarlet fever. This is a condition that causes a bumpy rash to develop.