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What is strep throat?

Sore throat is a common symptom, especially with viral infections like colds and flu. It’s an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, also called group A strep. 

In addition to sore throat, strep throat can cause several uncomfortable symptoms. Luckily, strep throat is treatable. Antibiotics prescribed by a licensed medical provider can prevent the strep bacteria from growing and relieve symptoms of strep throat. 

If untreated, strep throat can lead to medical complications. It’s important to consult with a medical professional who can diagnose and treat your symptoms if you think you may have strep throat.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

Strep throat usually comes on suddenly. In addition to throat and tonsil pain, strep throat can cause: 

• Pain when swallowing
• Red and swollen tonsils
• White patches or pus in the back of the mouth 
• Small red spots on the roof of the mouth 
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle aches
• Rash
• Nausea and vomiting, especially in children 

Your medical provider can diagnose you based on your symptoms and a strep throat test. If positive, antibiotic treatment can help your body fight off the infection.

What causes strep throat?

Most sore throats are caused by viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19. However, strep throat is caused by group A streptococcal bacteria—not a virus.

Strep throat is an infectious disease, and it’s very contagious. It’s commonly spread through respiratory droplets. For example, if an infected person coughs or sneezes near you, it’s possible to become infected with strep. You can also get strep by sharing food or drinks with an infected person, touching an infected surface, or touching your face after exposure. Good hygiene and regular hand washing can help reduce your risk of infection.

Strep Throat Treatment

Because it’s a bacterial infection, strep throat requires antibiotics to stop bacteria from growing. If your medical provider diagnoses you with strep throat, they will recommend and prescribe the best antibiotic or other treatment for you.

Typically, people with strep throat take antibiotics for 7-10 days. It can take a few days for antibiotics to improve symptoms. If you still feel sick after taking antibiotics for 48 hours, or your symptoms worsen, see a medical provider immediately. 

Is strep throat contagious?

Group A strep bacteria are highly contagious. They typically spread through respiratory droplets, like other respiratory illnesses. You can get strep throat from an infected person who coughs or sneezes near you or from sharing food or drink with someone who has strep. 

Strep throat also spreads through surface contact. You can pick up strep bacteria by touching a surface and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. 

If you know someone with strep throat, do your best to stay away from them while they are sick. Likewise, stay home if you are sick to avoid infecting others.

What is the best antibiotic for strep throat?

Antibiotics can help reduce symptoms and decrease the risk of medical complications caused by strep throat. The provider who diagnoses you with strep throat will determine the antibiotic likely to be safest and most effective for you. 

Commonly, medical providers prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin antibiotics to treat strep throat. Some patients are allergic to penicillin antibiotics. In that case, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends non-penicillin antibiotics such as cephalexin, clindamycin, and azithromycin.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions, regardless of which antibiotic you’re prescribed for strep throat. Finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping too early may cause your strep throat symptoms to come back or contribute to antibiotic resistance. 

Can an online doctor treat strep throat?

Seeing an online provider is a convenient way to get medical care without leaving home. A licensed medical provider can diagnose strep throat based on your medical history and symptoms. In some cases, an online doctor may refer you to an in-person provider who can test you for strep or examine you for other illnesses. 

Can an online doctor prescribe medication for strep throat?

Any licensed medical provider, including an online doctor, can prescribe medication for strep throat. You can pick up your strep throat prescription at a local pharmacy or ask your doctor to send the prescription to an online pharmacy for home delivery. Ordering prescriptions online can be a convenient way to get your medication and may help cut medical costs. 

Home Remedies for Strep Throat

Strep throat can be uncomfortable. Until your antibiotics resolve the infection, your provider may recommend home remedies to ease symptoms and soothe discomfort. 

Common home remedies for strep throat include: 

• Taking an anti-inflammatory or pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen 
• Drinking plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist 
• Eating food that’s easy to swallow, such as soup, apple sauce, and oatmeal
• Gargling with salt water
• Sucking on throat lozenges
• Drinking herbal tea
• Using a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer
• Swallowing honey either alone or mixed with tea

While you have a sore throat, avoid anything that could cause further irritation. Try not to eat spicy or acidic food, and stay away from irritating fumes like smoke. 

How can I prevent strep throat?

Strep throat can spread from one person to another, but you can also take steps to prevent an infection. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching your face. 

If you live with someone who has strep throat, avoid close contact if possible. Don’t share food, plates, or utensils with an infected person. Likewise, avoid sharing blankets, pillows, or towels.

If you have strep throat, do your best to practice physical distancing and mask when you’re around other people. Keep your utensils and bedding separate from the people you live with. When you’re feeling better, wash your bedding and towels and replace your toothbrush. Bacteria can live on toothbrushes, which may result in re-infection. 

Can you get strep throat without tonsils?

You can get infected with strep throat, even if you’ve had your tonsils surgically removed. However, your symptoms may be less severe if you do not have tonsils and the infection only affects your throat. Either way, seek medical care if you suspect you have strep throat. Your doctor will likely recommend treatment to prevent complications and help ease your symptoms. 

How long is strep throat contagious after starting medication?

Along with reducing symptoms, antibiotics prevent the spread of strep throat from one person to another. Your symptoms should resolve a few days after starting antibiotics for strep throat. You are also no longer likely to spread your infection after your symptoms are gone. On the other hand, strep throat can be contagious for weeks if left untreated. 

How long does strep throat last?

Strep throat, while common, can be very painful. It generally resolves on its own within 7-10 days. If left untreated, strep can last longer or result in medical complications. If you take medication for strep throat, your symptoms will probably go away within a few days. 

If you think you have strep throat, it’s important to see a medical provider who can diagnose and treat you. This will reduce your chances of developing complications and help you recover faster.