Strep Throat

What is Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacteria infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. It is caused by infection with a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus. It usually causes throat pain and difficulty swallowing. If left untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.

Prevention

To prevent strep infection:

• Wash your hands. Proper hand-washing is the best way to prevent all kinds of infections.

• Cover your mouth. Use your elbow or tissue to cover your mouths when coughing or sneezing.

• Don't share personal items. Don't share drinking glasses or eating utensils. Wash dishes in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of strep throat can include:

• Throat pain that usually comes on quickly

• Painful swallowing

• Fever

• Headache

• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus

• Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)

• Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck

• Rash

• Body aches

• Nausea or vomiting