If you have a
sore throat, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have a strep infection. So what are the signs of
strep throat, and how do you know if your sore throat is a strep infection?
A person with strep throat usually has at least two out of four of these signs or symptoms:
- A red and painful throat that begins suddenly
- A fever above 101ºF (38.3ºC)
- Red and enlarged tonsils -- there may also be white patches of pus on the tonsils or in the throat
- Tender or swollen lymph glands in the neck.
If you have strep throat, the signs and symptoms typically improve within two to five days. If you have had a sore throat for more than a week, it is more likely that the infection is caused by a virus, rather than strep bacteria.
Other possible symptoms of strep throat include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- White patches of pus on the tonsils or in the throat
- Headaches.
(Click Strep Throat Symptoms to learn more about this topic. This article outlines specific symptoms in adults, children, and infants, and explains which symptoms would more likely be caused by a viral infection.)
HealthSavvy Sign In
|