Strep Throat
en español: Faringoamigdalitis estreptocócica
Medically reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called group A strep (or GAS).
Strep throat usually requires a trip to the doctor and treatment with antibiotics. With the proper medical care — along with plenty of rest and fluids — you should feel better in no time.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Strep Throat?
Most sore throats are caused by viruses. If you have a runny nose, cough, hoarseness, and red or runny eyes, it's probably a virus and will clear up on its own.
Strep throat is different. Signs that you may have strep throat include:
- sore throat that comes on quickly and is especially painful when swallowing
- a fever
- red and swollen tonsils with white patches or streaks on them
- painful or swollen neck glands (lymph nodes)
If you have any of these symptoms, it's definitely time to see your doctor.
