A sore throat is a general term for throat pain, usually viral (like a cold) and resolves on its own, often with congestion. Strep throat is a specific, more serious bacterial infection (Group A Strep) that comes on suddenly, causes severe pain, fever, red/swollen tonsils with white spots, and requires antibiotics to prevent complications like rheumatic fever, lacking typical cold symptoms. Key difference: Strep is bacterial and needs treatment; viral sore throats are common and self-limiting.
With strep throat, there are no other upper respiratory symptoms. With the common cold and general sore throat, patients often have other symptoms like a cough, congestion, runny nose or sneezing. Strep throat is also very rare in children under 3 years old.
These bacteria are the most common cause of bacterial sore throat in children and teens. Strep throat usually needs treatment with antibiotics. With the proper medical care — and plenty of rest and fluids — most kids get back to school and play within a few days.
Swelling, redness, and white patches are common symptoms of strep throat. Less common symptoms, especially for children, may include: Headache. Nausea or vomiting.
For example, an abscess may form during or shortly after strep throat. In this case, a person may notice that their symptoms do not get better, get worse, or recur. New symptoms like swelling in the neck or face, trouble swallowing even saliva, or difficulty opening the mouth may also develop.
Call your doctor if you or your child has any of these signs and symptoms:
Centor criteria include fever ≥ 38 °C, absence of cough, swollen anterior cervical lymph nodes and tonsillar exudates or swelling. One point is added for each criterion. The Centor scores might range from 0 to 4 (10).
Throat lozenges, numbing sprays, and ibuprofen work quickly to reduce symptoms.
Common symptoms of strep A include: flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body. sore throat (strep throat or tonsillitis) a rash that feels rough, like sandpaper (scarlet fever)
Yes, strep throat can often resolve on its own, as the body fights off the Streptococcus bacteria, but it's generally not recommended to skip antibiotics because untreated strep carries serious risks like rheumatic fever (causing heart damage), kidney inflammation, and abscesses, and antibiotics quickly relieve symptoms and stop spreading the highly contagious infection. While symptoms may improve in a few days without treatment, the bacteria can linger, causing complications and making you contagious for longer (up to three weeks), whereas antibiotics clear the infection within about 24 hours.
When does my child need medical attention for group A strep? Parents should bring their children to the emergency department if they are having difficulty breathing, if they are not able to keep liquids down, or if they appear to be behaving in an unusual way or not responding the way that they typically do.
If you're dealing with strep throat or another bacterial infection, honey might help make your throat feel a little better — but it's not a cure. Talk with a healthcare provider if you think your sore throat is something more serious than irritation from things like a cold or allergies.
No, strep throat won't go away on its own. A type of bacteria causes strep throat, and antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. Strep throat can lead to more serious illnesses if not treated, so it's important to start on antibiotics immediately.
Steam or humidity
Take a hot shower. Dr. Zack says steam loosens mucus and can moisturize and soothe a sore throat. If you have a humidifier in your home, running it will help keep your throat from drying out, especially if you're mouth breathing.
A rapid strep test involves swabbing the throat and running a test on the swab. The test quickly shows if group A strep bacteria are likely causing the illness.
Seeing white or pale yellow spots on the sides or back of your throat can be a little scary. But they're usually caused by an infection, such as strep throat, oral thrush, or mononucleosis. If you notice white spots on your throat, go get checked out by your doctor.
Symptoms of strep throat occur quickly
“If you're over the age of 3 and you've been exposed to strep throat or have a current infection with strep throat, the most common symptoms that we're familiar with usually include fever, having that sore throat type of feeling and fatigue.”
Strep throat is notoriously painful, causing a sudden, severe sore throat that makes swallowing extremely difficult, often described as raw and scratchy, with red, swollen tonsils sometimes showing white spots or pus, accompanied by fever, headache, and body aches, and unlike a typical cold sore throat, it comes on fast and usually lacks a cough. The pain can be so intense it makes eating and drinking a challenge, requiring prompt medical attention (rapid strep test) and antibiotics to prevent serious complications like rheumatic fever.
The most common cause of a sore throat, also called pharyngitis, is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat from a virus goes away on its own. Strep throat, also called a streptococcal infection, is a less common type of sore throat. Bacteria causes it.
How to sleep with sore throats
To quickly soothe a sore throat, drink warm liquids like honey lemon tea, chamomile, or broth, which coat and calm irritation, or try cold drinks/popsicles to numb the pain and reduce inflammation, with warm saltwater gargles (for adults/older kids) also offering fast relief by breaking down secretions and killing bacteria.
Throat culture is the diagnostic gold standard for strep throat. A throat culture should be performed in children and adolescents following a negative RADT.
If you have strep throat, stay home from work if you can. If your child is ill, keep him or her at home until there's no sign of fever, and he or she feels better and has taken an antibiotic for at least 24 hours. Drink plenty of water.
If you or a loved one has strep throat, stay home from work, school and other activities until the fever is gone.