Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, look for signs and symptoms of strep throat, and probably order one or more of the following tests: Rapid antigen test. Your doctor may perform a rapid antigen test on a swab sample from your throat. This test can detect strep bacteria in minutes by looking for substances antigens in the throat.
If the test is negative but your doctor still suspects strep, he or she might do a throat culture. Molecular polymerase chain reaction, or PCR test. This test is also done using a swab sample from your throat. Throat culture. A sterile swab is rubbed over the back of the throat and tonsils to get a sample of the secretions. It's not painful, but it may cause gagging. The sample is then cultured in a laboratory for the presence of bacteria, but results can take as long as two days.
To practice good hygiene, you should:. You should also wash glasses, utensils, and plates after someone who is sick uses them. These items are safe for others to use once washed. Take the prescription exactly as the doctor says to. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.
Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. On This Page. The most common symptoms of strep throat include: Sore throat that can start very quickly Pain when swallowing Fever Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus Tiny, red spots petechiae — pronounced pi-TEE-kee-eye on the roof of the mouth the soft or hard palate Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck Other symptoms may include a headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting — especially in children.
The following symptoms suggest a virus is the cause of the illness instead of strep throat: Cough Runny nose Hoarseness changes in your voice that makes it sound breathy, raspy, or strained Conjunctivitis also called pink eye It usually takes two to five days for someone exposed to group A strep to become ill.
Children and Certain Adults Are at Increased Risk Anyone can get strep throat, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of getting this common infection. Adults who are at increased risk for strep throat include: Parents of school-aged children Adults who are often in contact with children Close contact with another person with strep throat is the most common risk factor for illness.
These settings include: Schools Daycare centers Military training facilities. Strep Throat: More Common in Children. Up to 3 in 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat About 1 in 10 adults with a sore throat has strep throat. Top of Page. Protect Yourself and Others People can get strep throat more than once.
Wash your hands often to help prevent germs from spreading. Antibiotics Help Prevent Spreading the Infection to Others People with strep throat should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they: No longer have a fever AND Have taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours Take the prescription exactly as the doctor says to. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional.
If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. When should you call for help? Where can you learn more?
Top of the page. Your Care Instructions Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes sudden, severe sore throat and fever. How can you care for yourself at home? Take your antibiotics as directed. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that mainly affects children and adolescents, but it is possible for anyone to catch it. Signs of strep throat include a very red throat that may have white patches, as well as fever, body aches and chills, pain when swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes in your neck.
A doctor will need to do a throat swab and order at least one test to make a definitive diagnosis. Failure to do so may lead to a number of complications, some of which can cause lasting damage or even threaten your life.
The main treatment for strep throat is a course of antibiotics.
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