What is strep throat? What are the signs of strep throat?
Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria. Adults with strep throat may have a sore throat, a fever and swollen neck glands. They usually don’t have a cough or a runny nose. Children with strep throat have a sore throat and may have tummy pain or a red rash with small spots. The rash is worse under the arms and in skin creases. How is strep throat treated? Your doctor may give you or your child an antibiotic. This medicine can help the sore throat go away a little faster. It can also help prevent a few rare but serious conditions that people with strep throat might get. It is important to take all of the medicine your doctor gives you. Should all sore throats be treated with antibiotics? No. Not every sore throat is strep throat. Bacteria only cause about 5 to 10 percent of sore throats. The rest are caused by viruses or other problems, and antibiotics will not help. Your doctor can do a test to make sure it is strep throat. What tests can tell I have strep throat? Your doctor ma
