6 Strep Throat Signs to Never Ignore
Updated: Nov. 30, 2021
Your throat may be on fire, but there are other signs of strep throat that may surprise you. Here’s what you really need to know.
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is an infection of group A strep bacteria that occurs in the throat, according to the CDC. It most commonly affects the tonsils—lymph organs that typically help fight infection, according to Jason Abramowitz, MD, of ENT and Allergy Associates in New York City. The infection can also settle in the walls of the throat if you no longer have tonsils, he says, though that’s less likely.
You’re (really) young—or live with someone who is
Age is one criterion doctors use to diagnose strep. Most often, strep strikes kids younger than 14. “As we get older, our tonsils are supposed to shrink. When they’re smaller, they’re less prone to the inflammation that can open them up to a bacterial infection,” says Dr. Abramowitz. Caretakers for children (like parents of school-age kids) are also at risk. Another group the infection is common in, he says, is older adults. Watch for these strep throat signs below.
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You have a sore throat and fever
It’s common to get a sore throat when you have a cold, but a sore throat that’s one of the strep throat signs is a pain that’s worse than normal and occurs in combination with a fever (a temperature over 100.4º F.), says Dr. Abramowitz. (Here are 11 signs your fever is something more serious.) It may also be painful to swallow, and “more often than not, a sore throat will come on quickly,” he says.
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You’re seeing white stuff on your tonsils
Common among strep throat signs is seeing pus on your tonsils because of the infection. Just note that some people with large tonsils notice white spots on their tonsils when they’re inflamed, and that could indicate a tonsil stone (built-up bacteria and debris). “Many times, a doctor may give antibiotics thinking that it’s pus—when it’s not—so it’s a good idea to get checked by a specialist,” says Dr. Abramowitz. If you have strep, you may also notice tiny red spots on the roof of your mouth, according to the CDC.
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You can feel swollen glands
Touch your neck—you may notice swollen lymph nodes, which may be one sign that you have a bacterial infection. “These tend to be painful, and they feel like small, little rubbery balls,” says Dr. Abramowitz. Of course, some people don’t notice these at all. Swollen lymph nodes are just one of the possible strep throat symptoms; if yours aren’t swollen, it doesn’t mean it’s not strep.
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There’s no cough
A cough originates farther down in your throat, while strep happens closer to the top—so don’t count this among the strep throat symptoms. “If someone is coughing, it indicates they have mucus dripping down the back of the nose. The irritation is occurring further down in the throat, which is causing the cough,” says Dr. Abramowitz. You also won’t have symptoms that are more viral in nature, like pink eye or a runny nose.
Here’s when you should start to worry about a lingering cough.
You’re not getting better
Pay attention to strep throat signs that stick around for a while and don’t ease up. “Viruses typically don’t last longer than a week. When symptoms persist for seven to ten days, we start to think that other things are involved, like a bacterial infection,” says Dr. Abramowitz.
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Do you have strep?
If you suspect strep, get checked out by your doctor (and make sure you avoid these doctor appointment mistakes). If you have strep throat symptoms, you will get a rapid strep test, in which your doctor takes a throat swab; the results appear in minutes. If the results are positive, you’ll likely receive antibiotics. If the results are negative, you still may not be in the clear. Your doctor can also take a throat culture, which allows strep to grow on the swab. You’ll get a call in a day or two with the results, says Dr. Abramowitz.
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Yes, you do need to go to the doc
Although strep throat is generally mild, children and teens can develop rheumatic fever if it’s left untreated, the CDC notes. This condition can harm the heart, joints, brain, and skin. The good news is that once you’re diagnosed and treated, you’ll likely recover quickly. “You usually feel better after 24 to 48 hours of being on antibiotics,” says Dr. Abramowitz. Once you’re fever-free for 24 hours, it’s safe to head back to school or work without worrying about infecting others.
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