Strep Throat

Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus (group A strep) bacteria, which spread through contact with droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze. In addition to a sore and red throat, symptoms can include severe pain when swallowing, a fever of 101 degrees or above, or swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck. Your clinician can swab your throat to quickly see if group A strep bacteria are causing your sore throat; looking at your throat is not enough to make a diagnosis. If the test is positive, antibiotics will be prescribed to help you get well quickly, prevent complications, and keep you from spreading the infection.

Prevention Tips

Wash your hands often.
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Do not drink from the same glass, eat from the same plate, or share utensils with someone who has strep throat or is sick.
Avoid direct contact with someone who has strep throat, especially their saliva.
If you have been diagnosed with strep throat, stay home from work, school, or daycare until you have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours. This will help keep others from getting sick.

More at CDC.gov