Strep throat is a common and highly contagious bacterial infection that can affect people of all ages, although it’s especially prevalent in children. While a sore throat is often a minor ailment, strep throat can be more serious, leading to complications if not properly treated.
Understanding the symptoms of strep throat, how to differentiate it from other throat infections, and knowing when to seek medical help are crucial for both personal health and preventing the spread of this infection to others.
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection from Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus (GAS). It is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face – especially the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Unlike the common cold or viral sore throat, which can often resolve on their own, strep throat requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Strep throat can occur year-round, but it is more common during colder months, when people spend more time indoors in close proximity to each other.
Different types of strep
Strep throat is primarily caused by group A streptococcus, but there are other types of strep bacteria that can cause throat infections, including group C and G streptococcus. While group A is the most common cause of strep throat, other types can cause milder forms of throat irritation or may lead to more serious conditions, including:
- Scarlet fever: A rash accompanies strep throat in some cases, leading to scarlet fever. This occurs primarily in children.
- Invasive streptococcal infections: In rare cases, the bacteria can spread beyond the throat, leading to more serious conditions such as septicaemia or necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease). However, these are extremely rare but require immediate medical intervention.
Strep throat symptoms to be aware of
Recognising strep throat symptoms is important to avoid unnecessary delays in treatment and prevent the spread of infection to others. The most common symptoms of strep throat include:
- Sore throat: Often severe and comes on suddenly. The pain may make swallowing difficult.
- Fever: A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is common.
- Red and swollen tonsils: Sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.
- Swollen lymph nodes: In the neck, which can be tender to the touch.
- Headache: Often accompanies the fever and sore throat.
- Rash: A fine, red rash, especially on the chest, is a common symptom of scarlet fever.
- Nausea and vomiting: More common in children than adults.
How to differentiate strep throat from a common cold or sore throat
While both strep throat and a viral sore throat share similar symptoms, there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart:
- Onset of symptoms: Strep throat typically comes on suddenly and severely, whereas viral sore throats often develop more gradually.
- Fever: A high fever is more common with strep throat, while viral sore throats are less likely to cause fever.
- Coughing and sneezing: A runny nose, cough, or other cold-like symptoms are common with a viral infection but rarely seen in strep throat.
- White spots or pus: Pus on the tonsils is a key indicator of strep throat, but this is not usually present with a viral sore throat.
- Body aches: Strep throat often comes with muscle aches, while these are more common in viral infections like the flu.
If you’re unsure whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial, a throat swab test is the best way to confirm if you have strep throat.
When to seek medical help
If you suspect you or your child has strep throat, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. The NHS advises seeking medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- A persistent sore throat that lasts more than 48 hours
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- A high fever that doesn’t improve with medication
- A rash, particularly in children, that might suggest scarlet fever
- Severe pain or tenderness in the neck due to swollen lymph nodes
- Joint pain, which can be a sign of complications such as rheumatic fever
Potential complications of strep throat
While strep throat can usually be treated with antibiotics, leaving the infection untreated can lead to serious complications. Some of the more common complications associated with strep throat include:
- Rheumatic fever: This is a rare but serious complication that can cause inflammation in the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system. It can lead to long-term damage to the heart valves, which is why it’s crucial to treat strep throat promptly.
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis: A type of kidney inflammation that can occur after a strep infection. Symptoms may include swelling, dark-coloured urine, and high blood pressure.
- Peritonsillar abscess: A collection of pus that forms near the tonsils, causing severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and swelling.
- Scarlet fever: As mentioned, this is a condition that accompanies strep throat in some children, leading to a red, sandpaper-like rash that may require additional treatment.
Protecting the vulnerable
Certain groups are more vulnerable to severe complications from strep throat, and extra precautions should be taken to protect them. This includes:
- Children: Young children are particularly susceptible to strep throat and its complications, including scarlet fever. Parents should watch for signs of strep and seek medical help promptly if symptoms arise.
- The elderly: Older adults with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions may be more vulnerable to severe infections and complications.
- Immunocompromised groups: People with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to cancer treatments or autoimmune diseases) are at higher risk of complications from infections like strep throat.
For these people, it’s essential to seek medical care quickly and to take extra precautions to avoid exposure to people with strep throat, such as practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding crowded areas, and staying home from work or school when feeling unwell.
Stay vigilant
Strep throat is more than just a sore throat – it’s a bacterial infection that requires attention and appropriate treatment. By understanding the symptoms of strep throat and knowing when to seek medical care, you can help prevent complications and speed up recovery. Remember to consult the NHS guidelines if you or a loved one exhibits symptoms of strep throat, and don’t hesitate to seek medical help for more serious signs or complications. If you suspect strep, contact your GP or NHS 111.
