Bad strep throat: what should you know?

Strep throat commonly presents with sudden throat pain, fever, tender swollen glands in the neck, red tonsils and sometimes white patches. Children may also have headache, nausea or abdominal discomfort. Cough, hoarseness and a runny nose point more toward a viral illness, although symptoms overlap. A GP can examine your throat and may use a rapid test or throat swab before deciding whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate.

Rest, drink regularly and choose soft foods while swallowing is painful. Use suitable pain relief according to the label or advice from a pharmacist. If prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed and do not share or save doses. Replace your toothbrush after treatment advice if your clinician recommends it, and avoid close sharing of cups or utensils while you are unwell.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, rapidly worsening neck or throat swelling, a muffled voice, or inability to open your mouth. Contact a clinician promptly if fever persists, pain is strongly one-sided, you cannot drink, or symptoms worsen despite treatment. A spreading rash or signs of an allergic reaction after medicine also needs urgent advice.

Do I need a throat swab or rapid test? Is antibiotic treatment suitable for my result and symptoms? How can I manage swallowing pain, and when should I return if I worsen?