5 Signs You May Have Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that is common in children but can affect people at any age. While the infection is usually harmless, in extreme cases, it can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever, ear infections, sinusitis and scarlet fever. Check out our list of 5 telltale signs you have strep throat:

1 .Do You Have a Fever over 100 F?

When your body is under attack from an infection, such as strep throat, your immune system may counteract the attack by raising your body temperature—which results in a fever. The fever prevents the infectious microbes from replicating as easily, which makes it easier for your body to fight the infection.

2. Do You Have Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Your lymph nodes are part of your lymphatic system that work to filter out bacteria, viruses, and other things that can cause illness before they are able to spread the infection. When exposed to bacteria or viruses, the lymph nodes in your neck swell, causing tenderness or pain in your neck.

3. Are There Red Spots on the Roof of Your Mouth?

Red spots on the back part of the roof of your mouth can be a sign of viral or bacterial infections. This symptom is a sign of numerous bacterial and viral infections and is not enough to classify your condition as strep. However, if you have red spots on the roof of your mouth and are experiencing the other symptoms mentioned in this post, it is likely that you have strep throat.

4. Are Your Tonsils Red and Swollen?
Another common sign of strep throat is red or swollen tonsils. This can sometimes be accompanied by streaks of puss on your tonsils. When your tonsils are inflamed, it can cause your throat to become sore and can make swallowing difficult.

5. Are You Experiencing a Sore Throat but No Cough?
Because strep throat is often accompanied by red, swollen tonsils, it may cause your throat to hurt without experiencing other symptoms that you may experience with a sore throat, such as coughing. Coughing is not a symptom of strep throat so, if you have a cough, you likely do not have strep throat.

Strep throat is a common infection that, if treated properly, shouldn’t last more than a few days. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, or have had a sore throat for more than 48 hours, stop by Sioux Falls Urgent Care to get tested.