Updated on June 21, 2024.
A sore throat is a sign that something is wrong. You may wonder if it is strep throat. This infection is caused by a bacteria. It causes a very sore throat.
But it could be something else, like the flu, COVID-19, or a cold. Some signs of these are:
- Stuffy head
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Cough
Most sore throats are not strep. If a very sore throat and fever are your main or only signs, you may have strep throat. You should be tested by a healthcare provider (HCP).
Strep throat in children vs. adults
Strep throat is common among children ages 5 to 15. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a group in the government that cares for health. It says about 3 in 10 children with sore throats have strep.
It’s rarer in adults. The CDC says about 1 in 10 adults with a sore throat has strep.
“In my practice, I may see five or six adults a year who have strep, but I see plenty of kids with strep,” says Kathryn A. Boling, MD, a family doctor at Mercy Personal Physicians in Lutherville, Maryland.
The signs of strep throat
Boling says some signs of strep throat are:
- Throat pain that starts quickly
- Severe throat pain
- Hard to swallow
- Swollen lymph nodes under the chin. Lymph nodes filter germs. They help fight infections.
- Fever over 101°F. Adults may not always have a fever. They can still have strep. They should see their HCP if they have other signs of strep.
- White patches in the back of the throat. This is pus.
- Nausea
- Belly pain. This is more common in children.
- Tiredness
The CDC says a sore throat and other signs like fever and nausea are signs of COVID-19, too. Other COVID-19 signs are:
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Loss of smell
It’s vital to get tested to find out the cause.
Treatment
If you have a cold, you can treat it with:
- Rest
- Drinking fluids
- Over-the-counter fever medicine, like acetaminophen (Tylenol). Follow the instructions on the label.
“Rest and drink plenty of fluids—hot tea with honey and lemon is especially soothing,” advises Boling, “or try a bowl of soup made with clear broth."
If you have signs of strep, see your HCP.
“They can give you a rapid strep test which will immediately detect the bacteria,” she says.
Strep that is not treated can lead to more serious issues. Some are:
- Pneumonia. This is an infection of the lungs.
- Ear infection
- Sinus infection. This affects the passages of the nose.
“In children, untreated strep can develop into rheumatic fever, which affects the heart,” Boling says.
It’s best to treat strep throat with an antibiotic prescribed by your HCP. Take this medicine as advised. Take it for the total number of days advised, even if your signs are better.
"After 24 hours of taking the medicine, you’re no longer contagious," says Boling, "which is important if you’re taking care of older adults, people with weakened immunity, or younger children."
People with strep should avoid being around people who:
- Have a weakened immune system
- Are pregnant
- Have HIV
- Are on chemotherapy. This is medicine for cancer.
- Frail or older adults
To stop the spread of infections, the CDC says to:
- Wash your hands often. Use soap and warm water.
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing.
- Rub hand sanitizer into your hands all the way. Let it dry.
- When you’re ill, don’t share food and other items with others.
- Consider wearing a mask when you’re ill.
