Viruses are the most common cause of a sore throat. However, strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep).

In general, strep throat is a mild infection, but it can be very painful. The most common symptoms of strep throat include:

Sore throat that can start very quickly
Pain when swallowing
Fever
Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
Tiny, red spots (petechiae) on the roof of the mouth (the soft or hard palate)
Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck

Other symptoms may include a headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting — especially in children.

Someone with strep throat may also have a rash; when this happens it is known as scarlet fever (scarlatina).

CDC Information on Strep Throat

Wolfe City ISD

Communicable Diseases

Chicken Pox

Fever

Influenza (Flu)

Meningitis

Strep Throat

Common Cold

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Lice

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)