Understanding Strep Throat - Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?

The symptoms of strep throat include:

• Sore throat that comes on rapidly.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Headaches.
• Fever, sometimes greater than 102 degrees F.
• A raw, red appearance to the back of the throat.
• White pus on tonsils.
• Tender, high lymph nodes in neck.
• Rash.
• Absence of a cough, stuffy nose, or other upper-respiratory symptoms.

Although by definition strep throat is caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, other bacteria can occasionally invade the throat and cause similar symptoms. Other possible bacterial invaders include staphylococcus, neisseria, and Haemophilus influenzae.

Stress, overwork, exhaustion, and fighting off viral infections can weaken the body's defenses and set up attacks of strep throat. And like other throat infections, strep throat also tends to occur during the colder months.

People usually develop strep throat when their immune systems are not functioning at their peak. Because strep is contagious, treatment is critical since these bacteria can be spread to others by coughing or sneezing.