Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the tissues in the
back of the throat (pharynx) and the tonsils or adenoids. The tissues become
irritated and inflamed, causing a sudden, severe sore throat.
Symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat with:
- Fever of
101
°F (38.3
°C) or
higher.
- Pain and difficulty swallowing.
- White or yellow
spots or coating on the throat and tonsils.
- Swollen lymph nodes in
the neck.
In children, strep throat may also cause body aches,
headache, stomachache, nausea, vomiting, or listlessness. Strep throat usually
does not occur with cold symptoms, such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, or
cough.
Even though strep throat usually goes away on its own in a
few days, it is treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics may not make you well
faster. But they shorten the time you are able to spread the disease to others.
Antibiotics also lower the risk of the infection spreading to other parts of
your body.
