Signs and Symptoms of Strep Throat
Sunday, January 10th, 2021, 9:36 am
Do you have a sore throat? A sore throat is often just a symptom of the common cold. However, in some cases, a sore throat could be caused by strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection, and it leads to a fast-onset sore throat alongside other symptoms.
Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of strep throat. Keep in mind that strep throat can lead to further complications if left untreated, but the experienced staff at Suncoast Urgent Care can provide the treatment that you need to make a full recovery.
The Main Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep throat is usually a mild bacterial infection. However, it can cause painful symptoms including:
- Sore throat that comes on rapidly
- Pain when you swallow
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Very small red spots on the soft or hard palate (the back of the roof of the mouth)
- Inflamed tonsils, potentially with streaks of pus or white spots
- Headache
- Fever
- Rash
- Body aches
- Nausea and/or vomiting (mainly in young children)
These symptoms can arise in patients who don’t have strep throat due to a different infection. Your doctor can perform a test for strep throat to determine whether or not you have the infection.
Symptoms That Don’t Indicate Strep Throat
If you have one or more of the symptoms listed below, you may be experiencing a viral infection, not strep throat:
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Hoarseness
- Pink eye
Preventing Strep Throat
Strep throat is contagious and spreads through droplets in the air after an infected individual sneezes or coughs. It can also spread via surfaces or if you share a food or drink with someone who’s infected.
To prevent strep throat, make sure to wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. Additionally, don’t share glasses or food utensils and sanitize surfaces regularly.
To receive treatment for strep throat or a sore throat, visit Suncoast Urgent Care today.
Category: Infections