strep throat is a mild disease, but it can be very painful. Common symptoms may include: Fever Pain when swallowing Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red Red and swollen tonsils White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck Some people, especially children, may have other symptoms, too. Other symptoms may include: Headache Stomach pain Nausea or vomiting Rash (scarlet fever) Not everyone needs antibiotics Someone who tests positive for strep throat but has no symptoms (called a “carrier”) usually does not need antibiotics. They are less likely to spread the bacteria to others and very unlikely to get complications. If a carrier gets a sore throat illness caused by a virus, the rapid strep test can be positive. In these cases, it can be hard to know what is causing the sore throat. If someone keeps getting a sore throat after taking the right antibiotics, they may be a strep carrier and have a viral throat infection. Talk to a doctor if you think you or your child may be a strep carrier. www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338
