Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause your throat to feel sore and scratchy. It is most common in children and teens, but it can affect people of all ages. Here are some signs and symptoms of strep throat:

• Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
• Painful swallowing
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus on them
• Swollen, tender neck glands
• Fever that may begin suddenly and is often the highest on the second day
• Chills
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• General ill feeling
• A loss of appetite and abnormal sense of taste

Its possible to have many of these signs and symptoms but not have strep throat. The cause of these signs and symptoms could be a viral infection or some other illness. Thats why your doctor generally tests specifically for strep throat. If you or your child has any of these signs and symptoms, its important to see a doctor for prompt testing and treatment. Additionally, if you or your child has a sore throat accompanied by a rash, problems breathing or swallowing, or a sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours, its important to call your doctor.