What are the symptoms of strep throat?

In general, strep throat is a mild infection, but it can be very painful. The most common symptoms of strep throat include: Other symptoms may include a headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting — especially in children. Someone with strep throat may also have a rash known as scarlet fever (also called scarlatina).

How can you tell if you have Group A strep?

Only a rapid strep test or throat culture can determine if group A strep is the cause. A doctor cannot tell if someone has strep throat just by looking at his or her throat. A rapid strep test involves swabbing the throat and running a test on the swab.

How long does it take to get strep throat?

It usually takes two to five days for someone exposed to group A strep to become ill. A sore throat that starts quickly, pain with swallowing, and fever are some of the common signs and symptoms of strep throat. Anyone can get strep throat, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of getting this common infection.

What happens if you test positive for strep throat but no symptoms?

Someone who tests positive for strep throat but has no symptoms (called a “carrier”) usually does not need antibiotics. They are less likely to spread the bacteria to others and very unlikely to get complications. If a carrier gets a sore throat illness caused by a virus, the rapid strep test can be positive.

What are the symptoms of Group A Streptococcus pyogenes?

Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus) on Gram stain. Source: Public Health Image Library, CDC Other symptoms may include headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting — especially among children. Patients with group A strep pharyngitis typically do not typically have cough, rhinorrhea, hoarseness, oral ulcers, or conjunctivitis.

What are the possible complications of Group A strep throat?

Carriers are also very unlikely to develop suppurative or nonsuppurative complications. Some people with recurrent episodes of acute pharyngitis with evidence of group A strep by RADT or throat culture actually have recurrent episodes of viral pharyngitis with concurrent streptococcal carriage.