Strep throat is a bacterial infection that usually makes your throat feel sore and scratchy but it only accounts for a small portion of sore throats.  Strep throat can cause complications, so seeking care with your child’s Provider is important.  Strep throat is most common in children but it can affect people of all ages.  If you child has signs or symptoms of strep throat please make an appointment to see your child’s Provider for prompt testing and treatment.

Signs and symptoms of strep throat can include:

• Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
• Painful swallowing
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
• Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
• Fever
• Headache
• Rash
• Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children
• Body aches