How long does strep throat last

    how is strep a spread
    how is a sore throat spread
    how is invasive strep a spread
    how is strep throat a spread
  • How is strep a spread
  • Strep a in adults...

    About Strep Throat

    What it is

    Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils.

    Symptoms

    It usually takes 2 to 5 days after exposure to become ill with strep throat.

    Common symptoms may include:

    • Fever
    • Pain when swallowing
    • Red and swollen tonsils
    • Sore throat that started very quickly and may look red
    • Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
    • Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae
    • White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils

    View LargerDownload

    See what a healthy throat looks like.

    View LargerDownload

    Swelling, redness, and white patches are common symptoms of strep throat.

    Less common symptoms, especially for children, may include:

    • Headache
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Rash (scarlet fever)
    • Stomach pain

    Complications

    Complications can occur after a strep throat infection if the bacteria spread to other parts of the body.

    Complications can include:

    • Abscesses (pockets of pus) around the tonsils or in the neck
    • Ear infections
    • Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease)
    • Rheumatic fever (a disea

        how is strep spreadable
        how is strep spread in kids