Warning Signs of Strep Throat

Strep Throat is not a diagnosis that any patient wants to hear. However, if you notice the signs soon enough to begin treatment early, the duration of the illness may be less than what you would experience without early diagnosis.

Early recognition of symptoms is key. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have strep throat:

Throat Pain: Throat pain may come on slowly with allergies or a common cold. Pain from strep throat will be felt early in the course of the illness.

Painful to Swallow: You can have a common sore throat and not feel pain when you swallow. If you experience intense or increased pain on swallowing, you may have strep throat.

Red and Swollen Tonsils: One of the most tell-tale signs of strep throat is the unique appearance of the tonsils. In addition to being inflamed and very red, the tonsils may have white spots or patches. Pus may be present as well.

Swollen Lymph Nodes: Due to the infection in the tonsils, lymph nodes in the neck closest to the tonsils will work overtime to help you fight it. As a result, they will be swollen and most likely tender.

Fever: Strep throat will usually cause a sudden and very high fever. It is important to control the fever with a fever reducer such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®). A fever that does not decrease with medication or a fever above 102.1 indicates a need to go to an ER.

Headache and Body Aches: Headaches are a common symptom of strep throat, usually due to the fever. It is the same with body aches. These can sometimes show up before the sore throat along with fever, making it appear like the flu.

Common in Children: Young children are susceptible to additional symptoms, including a rash as well as nausea and/or vomiting.

If you have noticed the symptoms of strep throat in yourself or someone in your family, call the medical offices of Dr. Brent Michael for an appointment as soon as possible. Not only is it important that those who are sick get the proper care and medication, but others in the family may already have signs or may need preventive treatment.