When is GP consultation recommended for strep throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat. It may cause sudden throat pain, fever, painful swallowing, swollen neck glands, red or swollen tonsils and patches on the tonsils. Cough, a runny nose or hoarseness can point towards a viral illness instead, but symptoms alone cannot always identify the cause. A GP can examine you and decide whether a throat test or treatment is appropriate. Arrange a consultation when symptoms are not settling, keep returning, or are interfering with drinking, eating or sleep.

Sip fluids often and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Rest, avoid sharing cups or utensils, and wash your hands regularly. A pharmacist can advise on suitable pain relief for your age and health conditions. Do not use leftover antibiotics; the correct treatment depends on the cause and your clinical assessment. Record fever, rash, swollen glands, exposure to someone with strep throat and any difficulty swallowing so you can describe the illness clearly.

Get urgent help if you cannot swallow saliva, are drooling, have trouble breathing, develop a muffled voice, cannot open your mouth normally, or have rapidly increasing swelling in the throat or neck. Severe dehydration, unusual drowsiness or a rapidly spreading rash also needs prompt assessment.

Ask whether testing is needed, how to manage pain and fluids, when you can return to normal activities, and which warning signs require immediate review.