What should you know about beginning signs of strep?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection affecting the throat and tonsils. The tonsils may be red or have white spots, and headache, nausea, or a fine rash can occur. Cough, runny nose, and hoarseness are less typical, but symptoms overlap with viral infections. A sore throat by itself does not establish the cause.

Arrange a GP Consultation if symptoms are pronounced, begin suddenly, or do not start improving. The clinician may inspect the throat and decide whether a swab or other assessment is useful. Drink fluids, rest, and use suitable pain or fever relief as directed. Antibiotic Treatment may be advised when strep is confirmed or strongly suspected; do not use leftover antibiotics.

Seek urgent care for breathing trouble, drooling, inability to swallow fluids, severe dehydration, confusion, or rapidly worsening one-sided throat swelling. Prompt advice is also needed when fever persists or a person with reduced immunity becomes unwell.

Ask whether testing is needed, how Strep Throat differs from Tonsillitis caused by another infection, which medicines suit you, and how long to stay away from close contacts.