Could My Sore Throat Be Strep?

Between colds, flu, and other seasonal illnesses, not to mention the wide range of symptoms associated with COVID-19, it’s understandable to feel unsure when a sore throat strikes. Sometimes it’s mild and resolves on its own. Other times, it may be strep throat, a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics to fully clear.

Joseph R. Raccuglia, MD, is board-certified in Family Medicine and has diagnosed and treated many cases of strep throat. With prompt care, most patients feel better quickly. Still, knowing when to be concerned and whether you might be contagious can be confusing.

What is strep throat?

Many sore throats are caused by viruses, but treatment differs when the cause is bacterial. Strep throat is caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. Unlike viral infections, strep throat won’t respond to over-the-counter medications alone and brings more concern for secondary complications when left to resolve on its own.  Strep throat is highly contagious. To complicate matters, some people can carry the bacteria without having symptoms, making it easier for the infection to spread unknowingly.

Common symptoms of strep throat

Strep throat often comes on suddenly and may include:

• A sore throat with sudden onset
• Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
• Small red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
• Fatigue
• Nausea or other gastrointestinal symptoms
• A rash (known as scarlatina)
  
  

Children are at higher risk for strep throat, but adults can get it too. In group settings such as schools, daycare centers, or shared workplaces, strep can spread quickly once it appears.

Diagnosing strep throat is straightforward

If Dr. Raccuglia suspects strep throat, the diagnosis is simple and quick. A throat swab is used to perform either a rapid strep test or a throat culture.

• Rapid strep test: Provides quick results
• Throat culture: Takes 24–48 hours and is more accurate

Early diagnosis is important, as untreated strep can lead to complications.

Why treating strep matters

One serious complication of untreated strep throat is rheumatic fever, a condition that can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Potential heart-related complications include heart murmurs, fluid buildup around the heart, and heart enlargement.

Good hygiene helps reduce the spread of strep. Washing your hands frequently and coughing or sneezing into your sleeve can help protect others.

Treatment is simple and effective

Dr. Raccuglia treats strep throat by prescribing a course of antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment:

• Shortens the duration of illness
• Reduces symptom severity
• Prevents spread to others
• Helps avoid complications like rheumatic fever

Once treatment begins, many patients start feeling better within as little as 24 hours.

When to seek care

If you suspect your sore throat may be strep, don’t wait. With urgent care, Dr. Raccuglia can test you quickly and send samples to the lab if needed, helping you get answers and relief sooner.

To schedule a strep test or learn more about the services we offer, call our Freehold, NJ, office or contact us through our website. With the right diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Raccuglia can help you feel better fast.