When to worry about fever with strep throat

Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils. Fever can accompany the sore throat, painful swallowing, swollen neck glands, and general tiredness. Fever alone cannot confirm the cause of a throat infection, and a temperature reading does not show how serious the illness is. A clinician may use an examination and a throat test to guide treatment.

Rest, drink frequent fluids, and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Use only fever or pain medicine that is suitable for you and follow the package directions; ask a pharmacist about safe choices if you take other medicines or have a long-term condition. If antibiotics were prescribed, take them exactly as directed and do not share leftover doses. Stay home while feeling unwell and follow local advice about limiting spread.

Arrange medical advice promptly if the fever is not settling, returns after improving, or occurs with increasing throat pain, one-sided swelling, a muffled voice, or difficulty opening the mouth. Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, blue or grey lips, fainting, marked confusion, or signs of severe dehydration such as very little urine. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with weakened immunity may need earlier assessment.

Ask whether a throat test is needed, which fever medicine is appropriate for you, how to take any prescribed antibiotic, and when you should be reassessed if the fever continues.