Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. It is caused by a type of bacteria called group A Streptococcus. Strep throat is highly contagious and can be spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person. Symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, swollen and tender lymph nodes, and white patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils. Strep throat is more common in children than adults, and it is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15.

Strep throat can be diagnosed with a throat swab test. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. However, strep complications are rare today thanks to better diagnosis and treatment. Strep throat is treated with antibiotics, which can help ease symptoms, control the spread of the infection, and prevent complications. In addition to antibiotics, there are several home remedies that can help relieve the symptoms of strep throat, such as drinking warm liquids, gargling with warm salt water, and using a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier to moisten and soothe a dry and painful throat.