Strep Throat

Distinguish a Sore Throat From Strep Throat Slideshow Natural Cold and Flu Remedies Slideshow Pictures The Common Cold Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Steven Doerr, MD

Steven Doerr, MD

Steven Doerr, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Doerr received his undergraduate degree in Spanish from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He graduated with his Medical Degree from the University Of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado in 1998 and completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine from Denver Health Medical Center in Denver, Colorado in 2002, where he also served as Chief Resident.

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Medical Editor:

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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• Strep Throat Overview
• Strep Throat Causes
• Strep Throat Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Strep Throat Diagnosis
• Strep Throat Treatment
• Strep Throat Self-Care and Remedies
• Strep Throat Medications
• Strep Throat Follow-up
• Strep Throat Prevention
• Strep Throat Complications
• Strep Throat Pictures
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor
• Pictures of The Anatomy of a Sore Throat - Slideshow
• Pictures of Natural Cold & Flu Remedies - Slideshow
• Pictures of The Common Cold - Slideshow
• Read more on Strep Throat from Healthwise
• Viewer Comments: Strep Throat - Treatment
• Viewer Comments: Strep Throat - Cause
• Viewer Comments: Strep Throat - Length Symptoms Lasted

Strep Throat Overview

Strep throat is a contagious disease caused by infection with streptococcal bacteria. Strep throat symptoms generally include fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and redness and swelling of the throat and tonsils. White or yellow patches on the tonsils (signifying pus) are also often present. Strep throat may produce mild or severe symptoms.

Strep throat is most common in school-aged children and teens, with a peak incidence between 5 to 15 years of age. It is estimated that approximately 15% to 40% of cases of sore throat in this age group are caused by Streptococcus spp bacteria. Adults may also develop strep throat, though less commonly (accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of cases of sore throat). Strep throat most commonly occurs between late fall and early spring. It is more widespread during the school year when groups of students are present within an enclosed space.

Though strep throat is the most common bacterial cause of sore throat, it is important to note that most cases of sore throat are in fact due to a viral infection (caused by a virus). A viral sore throat typically improves on its own and does not require treatment with antibiotics. However, the identification of strep throat is important to prevent the possible complications associated with this illness.

Strep Throat Causes

Strep throat is caused by infection with Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes. The streptococcal infection invades the pharyngeal tissue and causes a localized inflammatory reaction. These bacterial organisms are often found in the throat or on the skin, and are responsible for other illnesses as well, such as impetigo (a skin infection). Some individuals may carry Group A Streptococcus in the throat or on the skin and not exhibit any signs or symptoms of disease (asymptomatic).

Is Strep Throat Contagious?

Strep throat is a contagious illness that is spread from person-to-person. It is usually transmitted by close contact with the saliva or nasal secretions from an infected individual, typically in the form of airborne respiratory droplets. For this reason, it is frequently seen in situations where individuals are in close proximity to each other, as in schools, college campuses, military barracks, day care centers, and family households. Food-borne outbreaks leading to strep throat are an uncommon modes of transmission.