To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being ready to answer the following questions:

• When did your throat symptoms begin?
• Do you have a fever? Describe your fever pattern.
• Do other family members, friends, or coworkers have similar complaints?
• Do you have other symptoms associated with the sore throat, such as a head cold?
• What makes the pain worse?
• Have you had your tonsils removed?
• Have you been diagnosed with strep throat in the past? How long ago? Was it found during a doctor visit, with a rapid strep test or with a throat culture? How was it treated?
• What prescription and nonprescription treatments have you tried? How well did they work?
• Do you have any health risks?