Every year, millions of Americans visit their primary care physicians, seeking relief from a range of discomforting symptoms tied to various illnesses or infections. Symptoms can include nasal congestion or mild fever from the common cold, itchy or watery eyes due to seasonal allergies, or nausea and chills commonly linked to the flu.

Sore throats are another frequent complaint, particularly more prevalent in the fall and winter months. While a sore throat can be associated with many illnesses, it is often the primary indicator of strep throat, leading to over 5 million doctor visits annually in the United States, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Identifying Strep Throat

It’s essential to recognize that strep throat is not a viral infection like many seasonal ailments; it is a contagious bacterial infection. It causes swelling and pain by targeting the throat and tonsils, which are the lymph nodes situated at the back of your mouth, explains Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco.

Although strep throat is most frequently seen in children aged 5 to 12, Dr. Nagata notes, “it can affect individuals of any age.” Patients with strep typically experience fever and throat discomfort, often described as a “scratchy” feeling that worsens with talking or swallowing.

One of the most challenging aspects of strep throat is that its symptoms can closely resemble those of a regular sore throat, which is why a throat culture or rapid test is necessary for a proper diagnosis, says Dr. Melissa Zheng, an otolaryngologist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

However, strep throat does present unique symptoms, according to Dr. David Levine, a pediatrician and Chief of General Pediatrics at Goryeb Children’s Hospital of Atlantic Health System in New Jersey. He points out that “the throat often appears red with swollen tonsils, sometimes displaying pus.” The pain from strep throat is generally more severe than that of a typical sore throat.

Dr. Nagata adds that the lymph nodes in the neck may be sensitive to touch, and tiny red spots can develop on the roof of the mouth. “For certain strains of the bacteria, a rash can appear,” he warns. “This rash usually begins on the neck and chest but may spread to other areas of the body.”

Additionally, the fever associated with strep throat tends to be more significant than what one might experience with a standard sore throat — “and some individuals might also suffer from headaches and stomach aches,” explains Dr. Zheng.

What Leads to Strep Throat?

Strep throat is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus. “These bacteria are easily transmitted, often through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes or through shared food or drinks,” says Dr. Nagata.

Infection can also occur by touching surfaces contaminated with the bacteria, like counters, doorknobs, or toilet handles, and then touching one’s nose, eyes, or mouth.

Does Strep Throat Resolve Without Treatment?

Regardless of the method of infection, strep throat doesn’t resolve on its own as a viral infection might. Since it’s caused by bacteria, it requires antibiotics for treatment. “Unless an individual is allergic, penicillin is the preferred medication,” notes Dr. Levine. Amoxicillin is also often prescribed. He clarifies that once antibiotics are initiated, a person “is no longer contagious after 24 hours and should be fever-free shortly thereafter.”

Even after symptoms start to improve, “it’s crucial to complete the entire course of prescribed antibiotics,” adds Dr. Zheng.

While waiting for the antibiotics to take effect and eliminate the infection, various remedies can help ease the pain and discomfort of strep throat. These remedies include throat sprays, cough drops, lozenges, humidifiers, and saltwater gargles.