Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A Streptococcus. Symptoms typically include sudden sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus), and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Strep bacteria spread through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact. School-aged children are most commonly affected, especially in crowded environments such as classrooms or dormitories. Having close contact with someone who has strep throat increases risk.

See a doctor if you have a sore throat with high fever, difficulty swallowing, rash, or swollen lymph nodes. Prompt treatment with antibiotics reduces symptoms, prevents complications such as rheumatic fever, and lowers the risk of transmission.