Overview
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A strep. It can cause a sudden sore throat, fever, and painful swallowing, but many sore throats are caused by viruses instead.
How common is it?
Only some sore throats are strep throat. About 1 in 10 adults and about 3 in 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat.
Causes and risk factors
Strep throat spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact with an infected person. It is most common in school-age children and tends to be more common in winter and spring.
Common risk factors
- Close contact with someone who has strep throat
- School age
- Crowded settings such as classrooms or daycare
- Winter and spring season
Symptoms
- A sore throat that starts quickly
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red or swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
- Swollen glands in the front of the neck
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Sometimes headache, tummy pain, or vomiting in children
When to see a doctor
Seek medical advice if you have a severe sore throat with fever, a rash, symptoms that are not improving, or you are worried it could be strep or scarlet fever. Get urgent help if swallowing is very difficult, you are drooling, breathing is hard, or symptoms are getting worse quickly.
Diagnosis
A clinician may look at your symptoms and throat and decide whether testing is needed. Testing may include a rapid strep test and sometimes a throat culture, especially in children and teenagers if the rapid test is negative.
Treatments
Fluids, rest, and pain relief
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help pain and fever if they are suitable. Cool drinks and soft foods can also make swallowing easier.
Antibiotics when strep is confirmed or strongly suspected
If a clinician diagnoses strep throat or scarlet fever, antibiotics can shorten illness, reduce spread, and help prevent complications. They are not needed for most viral sore throats.
Monitoring for complications
People who are not improving, have a rash, or develop worsening swelling or severe pain may need further assessment.
Self-care and lifestyle
- Wash hands often
- Do not share cups, utensils, or food while unwell
- If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed
- Stay home until you no longer have a fever and have been on antibiotics long enough for a clinician to advise it is safe to return
Prevention
Hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding sharing drinks or utensils can reduce the spread of strep throat.
Sources and review
Last reviewed: 20 July 2026 by Living Diabetes Editorial Team. This guide was checked against current patient and professional guidance. It is educational and does not replace care from your own healthcare team.