Strep Throat

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What is strep throat?

Strep throat is a throat infection caused by bacteria. The bacteria are easily spread from person to person.

What are the signs and symptoms of strep throat?

• Sore, red, and swollen throat
• Fever and headache
• Upset stomach, abdominal pain, or vomiting
• White or yellow patches or blisters in the back of your throat
• Tender, swollen lumps on the sides of your neck or jaw
• Throat pain when you swallow

How is strep throat diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will swab the back of your throat to test for strep bacteria. You may get the results in minutes or the swab may be sent to a lab.

How is strep throat treated?

Treatment may include any of the following:

• Antibiotics treat the infection. You should feel better within 2 to 3 days after you start antibiotics. Take all prescribed doses, even if you start to feel better sooner. You may return to work or school 24 hours after you start antibiotics.
• NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Augmentin
• amoxicillin/clavulanate
• Ceftin
• cefdinir
• Amoclan

View more treatment options

How can I manage my symptoms?

• Use throat lozenges or suck on hard candy. Lozenges and hard candy can help decrease throat pain.
• Drink plenty of liquids. Liquids will help soothe your throat. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day. Warm liquids include hot chocolate, tea, and soup. Frozen liquids include ice pops. Do not have acidic drinks such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, or lemonade. Acidic drinks can make your throat pain worse.
• Gargle with salt water up to 4 times each day. Put ¼ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Gargle the salt water for 10 to 15 seconds. Then spit it out. Do not swallow the salt water.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage and make your symptoms worse. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

How do I prevent strep throat?

• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, change a child's diapers, or sneeze. Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Do not share food or drinks. Strep bacteria can stay on dishes and in straws for 24 hours or longer. You may pass the bacteria to others by sharing.
• Replace your toothbrush 24 hours after you start antibiotics. Strep bacteria can stay on a toothbrush for several days. You may get strep throat again or infect someone else if the toothbrush is not replaced.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have trouble breathing.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You have new symptoms like a bad headache, stiff neck, or vomiting.
• You are drooling because you cannot swallow.

When should I call my doctor?

• You have a fever.
• You have a rash or ear pain.
• You have green, yellow-brown, or bloody mucus when you cough or blow your nose.
• You are not able to drink anything.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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