Signs and symptoms
... In general, signs and symptoms of strep throat include: Throat pain Difficulty swallowing Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks Swollen, tender lymph glands in the neck Feve...

Causes
... The cause of strep throat is bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. These bacteria are highly contagious. They can spread through airborne droplets when som...

Risk factors
... Strep throat occurs most commonly in children between the ages of 5 and 15. The infection tends to circulate in late fall, winter and early spring, but strep throat peaks in the fall and spring, while...

When to seek medical advice
... Call your doctor if you or your child has any of these signs and symptoms: A sore throat without a cold or runny nose A sore throat accompanied by tender, swollen lymph glands A sore throat that lasts...

Screening and diagnosis
... Doctors usually diagnose the cause of a sore throat on the basis of a physical exam and lab tests. During the exam, your doctor or pediatrician will look for signs and symptoms of strep throat, such a...