Strep Throat
Also known as: group A streptococcal infection.
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the neck and throat. It’s common among children and is contagious.
What causes strep throat?
The group A streptococcus bacteria is the cause of strep throat. People can develop the disease by being exposed to fluids or saliva from an infected person through coughs, sneezes or contaminated surfaces.
People who have strep throat can be contagious to others for around two weeks. However, if strep throat is being treated with antibiotics, it is typically only contagious for 24 to 48 hours. This emphasizes the importance of having strep throat treated as explained below.
What are the symptoms of strep throat?
A sore throat, pain when swallowing and a tender neck are the telltale signs of strep throat. People may also get a fever, chills, a headache or nausea.
Strep throat is best treated by antibiotics, so it’s recommended to see a health care provider if you or your child exhibits the symptoms of strep throat. These can include:
- A sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours and is accompanied by tender and swollen lymph glands
- A rash along with sore throat
- Fever
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
How can strep throat be prevented?
Strep throat can be prevented by following good self-care and hygiene habits and avoiding others who are sick. Some steps that can help include:
- Avoiding crowded areas with others who are sick
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoiding sharing utensils with others
- Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
What are strep throat care options?
Antibiotics can typically cure strep throat within a few days. Warm liquids, gargling with warm salt water, breathing humidified air, over-the-counter pain relievers and throat lozenges are all viable strategies to help with symptoms of strep throat.
In some cases, strep throat can occur repeatedly. This isn’t necessarily a sign of an immune deficiency (thought it can be in rare instances). Rather, it’s a sign that you or your child is having repeated exposures to a carrier. Recurrent strep throat may be treated with different courses of antibiotics. For children, removal of the tonsils may be a recommended treatment option.
If parents of a child with strep have an urgent or emergency situation, they can seek help right away at one of Nicklaus Children’s Hospitals’ many urgent care clinics. There are several convenient locations across South Florida.
Reviewed by: Yamilet Tirado, MD
This page was last updated on: February 04, 2025 05:40 PM
March 03, 2025 – To help you understand your child’s sore throat and determine whether it’s nothing to worry about or worthy of a trip to the pediatrician, we compiled some of the common signs and symptoms to look for.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by the Streptococcus bacteria. It is highly contagious and can be easily spread through respiratory droplets and by those who are in close contact with others, such as in school or daycare. To prevent strep infections, parents should encourage good hygiene practices and children should be taught to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.