Two different germs cause sore throats – viruses and bacteria. When a sore throat comes on fast, it may be caused by the bacteria streptococci (strep-tuh-kaak-sai), or strep. Strep throat is most common in school-age children, but anyone can get it.
SymptomsA child with strep throat may any of these symptoms:
When a child has a cough, hoarseness, red eyes and runny nose, it may be due to a virus, the flu or a different illness rather than strep. DiagnosisThe doctor or health care provider will examine your child, ask about signs and symptoms, and test for strep.
Treatment with Antibiotics
How to Care For Your ChildThere are things you can do to help your child feel better.
How to Protect Others
When to Call the Doctor or Health Care ProviderCall your child’s doctor or health care provider if they have started taking antibiotics and they:
Strep Throat - Bacterial (PDF), Somali (PDF), Spanish (PDF) HH-I-122 ©11/1989, revised 8/22 Nationwide Children’s Hospital You Might Also Be Interested In
What type of virus is strep throat?Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus or “group A strep.” People who are sick with strep throat are very contagious.
Is strep throat bacterial viral or fungal?Strep throat is an infection caused by a type of bacteria (group A streptococcus). It's very common among teens. In fact, strep bacteria cause almost a third of all sore throats.
What causes strep throat bacteria or virus?Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by a bacteria called group A streptococcus , also known as Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacteria lives in the nose and throat. You can get the infection from someone who is sick with strep A bacteria or is a carrier of it.
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