Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep) bacteria. Unlike most sore throats, which are caused by viruses, strep throat requires treatment with antibiotics to shorten the illness, reduce the spread of infection, and prevent serious complications.
Strep throat is most common in school-aged children and teenagers, but adults can also become infected. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or shares food or drinks.
With prompt treatment, most people begin to feel better within 24–48 hours after starting antibiotics.
Strep Throat – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/strepthroat.html
Provides easy-to-understand information about strep throat, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Group A Strep – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/
Provides comprehensive information about Group A Streptococcus infections, treatment, and prevention.
Strep throat is one of the most common bacterial infections of the throat. It accounts for approximately:
Strep throat is most common during the late fall, winter, and early spring, when people spend more time indoors and respiratory infections spread more easily.
Group A Strep – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/
Provides information about how common strep throat is and who is most likely to develop it.
Strep throat is one of the most common bacterial infections of the throat. It accounts for approximately:
Strep throat is most common during the late fall, winter, and early spring, when people spend more time indoors and respiratory infections spread more easily.
Group A Strep – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/
Provides information about how common strep throat is and who is most likely to develop it.
Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and examine your throat and neck.
Because viral and bacterial sore throats can appear similar, laboratory testing is often needed to confirm the diagnosis before antibiotics are prescribed.
Group A Strep – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/
Explains how strep throat is diagnosed and why testing is important.
Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) bacteria.
The bacteria spread through:
Group A Strep – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/
Learn how strep throat spreads and ways to reduce your risk.
Several factors may increase the risk of infection or complications.
Common risk factors include:
Strep Throat – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/strepthroat.html
Provides information about risk factors and possible complications.
Good hygiene and prompt treatment help prevent the spread of strep throat.
Helpful prevention tips include:
Group A Strep – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/
Provides practical recommendations for preventing the spread of strep throat.
The following video content is provided to help you better understand this condition. These resources are intended for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice from your healthcare provider.
Laboratory testing helps confirm whether Group A Streptococcus bacteria are causing your sore throat.
Common laboratory tests include:
Laboratory Tests – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/
Provides information about laboratory testing used to diagnose strep throat.
Most people with strep throat do not require imaging or additional diagnostic testing.
Additional evaluation may be recommended if complications are suspected.
Common diagnostic tests may include:
Strep Throat – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/strepthroat.html
Provides information about diagnosing strep throat and identifying complications.
Treatment focuses on eliminating the bacterial infection, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications.
Treatment options may include:
Group A Strep – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/
Provides information about treatment recommendations and antibiotic therapy.
Healthy habits help support recovery and reduce the spread of infection.
Helpful lifestyle changes include:
Group A Strep – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/
Provides recommendations for recovering safely and preventing the spread of strep throat.
Treatment usually includes antibiotics to eliminate the infection and prevent complications.
Common medications may include:
Group A Strep – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/
Provides information about antibiotics, treatment recommendations, and recovery from strep throat.
Most people with strep throat do not require surgery or invasive procedures. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics, rest, and symptom management. However, certain procedures may be recommended if complications develop or if someone experiences frequent recurrent infections.
Common procedures may include:
Group A Strep – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/
Learn about strep throat testing, treatment, and complications.
Most people begin feeling better within 24–48 hours after starting antibiotics. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve sooner.
Most people recover completely without complications. Untreated strep throat, however, can lead to serious conditions such as:
Prompt diagnosis and treatment greatly reduce the risk of these complications.
Home care helps relieve symptoms and supports recovery.
Helpful tips include:
Strep Throat – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/strepthroat.html
Provides practical recommendations for recovering from strep throat and preventing spread.
Yes. Strep throat spreads easily through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected individuals.
Most people are no longer considered contagious after
, their fever has resolved without fever-reducing medication, and they are feeling well enough to return to normal activities.
Yes. Antibiotics shorten the illness, reduce symptoms more quickly, decrease the spread of infection, and help prevent serious complications.
Yes. Having strep throat once does not provide lifelong immunity, so future infections are possible.
Stopping antibiotics too early can allow the bacteria to survive, increase the risk of recurrence, and raise the risk of complications such as rheumatic fever.
Consider asking your healthcare provider:
Most cases of strep throat are treated by a primary care provider. Depending on your symptoms or medical history, your provider may recommend seeing a specialist.
You may be referred to:
Group A Strep – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/
Provides information about treatment, complications, and specialty care.
Yes. Strep throat is curable with antibiotics. Most people recover completely when treatment is started promptly and the full course of antibiotics is completed.
Even if symptoms improve quickly, finishing the entire prescription helps prevent complications and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:
Seek prompt medical evaluation if you notice:
Strep Throat – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/strepthroat.html
Learn about strep throat complications and when emergency medical care is needed.
CALL 911
APNS does not provide emergency medical services. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, including (but not limited to) chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, loss of consciousness, or any other potentially life-threatening condition, you are instructed to call 911 immediately or go immediately to the nearest emergency department.
Strep Throat – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/strepthroat.html
Easy-to-understand information about strep throat, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep) – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/
Comprehensive information about strep throat, testing, antibiotics, complications, and prevention.
American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (ENT Health)
https://www.enthealth.org/
Reliable patient education about recurrent tonsillitis, strep throat, and tonsillectomy.
American Academy of Pediatrics – HealthyChildren.org
https://www.healthychildren.org/
Trusted information for families about strep throat, sore throats, and childhood infections.
This guide is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your healthcare provider. Always follow the recommendations of your healthcare team regarding your individual health needs. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen, do not improve after starting antibiotics, or if new symptoms develop. Call 911 immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, inability to swallow, severe throat swelling, loss of consciousness, or another medical emergency.
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