STREP THROAT

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

• Fever

• Headache

• Rash

• Stomachache and sometimes vomiting, especially in younger children

It's possible for you or your child to have many of these signs and symptoms but not have strep throat. The cause of these signs and symptoms could be a virus, tonsillitis or other illnesses. That's why your doctor may test specifically for strep throat.

It's also possible to have streptococcal bacteria in the throat without a sore throat. Some people are carriers of strep, which means they can pass the bacteria on to others, but the bacteria don't make them sick.

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