Version July 2025
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What is strep throat? —
This is an infection caused by a certain type of bacteria. It leads to a sore throat.
Most sore throats are caused by a virus, and are not strep throat. Only about 1 in 10 adults who seek medical care for sore throat have strep throat. But if you do have strep throat, you need treatment with antibiotics.
How can I tell if I have strep throat? —
It is hard to tell the difference between strep throat and a sore throat caused by a virus. But there are some clues you can look for.
People who have strep throat often have:
●Severe throat pain
●Fever (temperature higher than 100.4°F, or 38°C)
●Swollen glands in the neck
You might also be able to see redness on the roof of your mouth, or white patches in the back of your throat (figure 1).
People who have strep throat usually do not have a cough, runny nose, or itchy or red eyes. These symptoms are more common when the sore throat is caused by a virus.
Is there a test for strep throat? —
Yes. If you think you might have strep throat, a doctor or nurse can easily check for it. They can run a swab along the back of your throat, and test it for the bacteria that cause strep throat.
Do I need antibiotics? —
Yes. If the test shows you have strep throat, you need antibiotics. Antibiotics can help reduce your symptoms and keep the infection from spreading to other people as easily.
Antibiotics can also prevent problems that strep throat can sometimes cause. These can happen if:
●The body reacts to the infection – This can cause symptoms like skin rash, joint pain, and even organ damage. In some cases, this can be serious.
●The bacteria spread to nearby areas – For example, this could cause an ear, sinus, or skin infection. It could also cause swelling or abscesses (pockets of pus) in the throat.
You will probably be prescribed antibiotics to take for 10 days. It's important to take all the antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.
What can I do to feel better? —
Follow your doctor's instructions for taking your antibiotics.
You can also try these things to help relieve symptoms:
●Take over-the-counter pain medicine – Acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) can help with throat pain.
●Use medicated sore throat lozenges or sprays – These can temporarily reduce throat pain.
●Suck on hard candies, ice chips, or ice pops.
●Gargle with salt water – This can sometimes help with throat pain.
●Use a cool mist humidifier – This adds moisture to the air. Some people find that this helps.
●Avoid smoking or being around people who are smoking – Smoke can make throat pain worse.
When can I go back to work or school? —
Doctors usually recommend waiting 1 day after starting antibiotics before returning to work or school. By then, you will be a lot less likely to spread the infection to others.
How can I prevent getting strep throat again? —
Wash your hands often with soap and water (figure 2). This is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) or go to the emergency department if you:
●Have trouble breathing
●Are drooling because you cannot swallow your saliva
●Have swelling of your neck or tongue
●Cannot move your neck, or have trouble opening your mouth
●Have signs of severe fluid loss, such as:
•Not urinating for longer than 8 hours
•Feeling very lightheaded or like you are going to pass out
•Feeling weak like you are going to fall
Call your doctor or nurse for advice if:
●Your throat pain is getting worse, or is so bad you cannot eat or drink.
●You develop signs of early fluid loss, such as:
•Dark urine
•Dry mouth
•Muscle cramps
•Lack of energy
•Feeling lightheaded when you get up
●Your symptoms have not improved after 3 days of antibiotics.
●You still have symptoms after finishing the antibiotics.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Sore throat in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Strep throat in children (The Basics)
Patient education: What you should know about antibiotics (The Basics)
Patient education: Scarlet fever (The Basics)
Patient education: Swollen lymph nodes in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Tests for strep throat (The Basics)
Patient education: Sore throat in adults (Beyond the Basics)
