Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. Strep throat symptoms usually start suddenly with a painful sore throat and fever, without a cough. It needs a test and antibiotics, because a sore throat alone cannot tell strep from a virus.

What Is It

Strep is caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. It is most common in children ages 5 to 15 and spreads through coughs, sneezes, and shared cups. Cases rise during the school year, from late fall through spring. Most sore throats are viral, so a test is the only way to know.

Symptoms

A sudden, painful sore throat
Pain when swallowing
Fever
Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
Tender, swollen glands in the neck
Headache, stomach pain, or vomiting, especially in kids

Not sure it’s strep? A cough, runny nose, and hoarse voice point to a viral cold instead. In children, strep can show up as stomach pain and fever with only a mild sore throat.

Treatment

At your visit: A rapid strep swab confirms strep throat. A positive test is treated with antibiotics. A negative test in a child may be followed by a backup culture.

At home:

Take every dose of your antibiotic, even once you feel better
Drink warm tea, broth, or cold fluids to soothe the throat
Use over the counter pain relievers as directed
Replace your toothbrush after 24 hours on antibiotics

Most people feel better within 1 to 2 days of starting antibiotics.

When to Get Care for Strep Throat

Watch at Home

A mild sore throat with a cough and runny nose
No fever, and able to swallow
Improving after a few days

Come to Urgent Care Today

A sudden sore throat with fever and no cough
White patches on the tonsils or swollen neck glands
Someone at home or school has strep
A sore throat lasting more than 2 days
A rash like sandpaper with a sore throat

Go to the Emergency Department

Trouble breathing or noisy breathing
Drooling or unable to swallow saliva
Unable to open the mouth fully, or a muffled voice
Swelling on one side of the throat or neck

FAQ

What are the first signs of strep throat?

The first signs of strep throat are usually a sudden, painful sore throat and fever. Swollen neck glands, red tonsils, and headache often follow, without a cough or runny nose.

How do I know if it’s strep or a sore throat?

Strep throat usually comes on suddenly with fever and no cough. A viral sore throat often comes with a cough, runny nose, or hoarse voice. A rapid strep test is the only sure way to tell.

Is strep throat contagious?

Strep throat is very contagious until you have taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours and the fever is gone. It spreads through coughs, sneezes, and shared cups or utensils.

When can my child go back to school with strep?

A child with strep throat can usually return to school after 12 hours on antibiotics and once the fever is gone without fever medicine.

Can urgent care test for strep throat?

Yes, urgent care can test for strep throat with a rapid test. Vitality Urgent Care offers rapid strep testing for children and adults. No appointment or referral is needed.

Does strep throat go away without antibiotics?

Strep throat can ease on its own, but untreated strep can lead to rheumatic fever, a throat abscess, or kidney problems. Antibiotics also stop it spreading sooner.

Last reviewed October 2026