Strep throat is a contagious infection caused by streptococcus bacteria. The hallmark symptom of strep throat is a sore throat, but it’s far from the only symptom. You may experience pain or difficulty swallowing. In addition to a severe sore throat that starts quick, your throat tonsils may look red and swollen, sometimes with white patches or pus. You may also have tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth. The infection will also cause the lymph glands in your neck to swell. If you feel around your neck, you’ll likely notice the swelling, which will also be tender to the touch. Pay particular attention to the glands in the front of your neck, under your jaw at either side of your airway. Swollen lymph glands will feel like small, hard lumps underneath your skin. Strep throat or other throat infections can cause bad breath. Your infected tonsils will begin to secrete dead white blood cells, which give off a particular protein-like odor. Fever and chills are two more distinctive symptoms of strep throat. The fever is usually highest on the second day of the infection as your body responds.  Normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). Fluctuations greater than one or two degrees Fahrenheit (one-half to one degree Celsius) are a sign that you might have an infection. If you have a fever over 101°F (38.3°C) or a fever lasting more than 48 hours, call your healthcare provider. Anytime your immune system responds vigorously to an infection, you may also experience generally flu-like symptoms. These symptoms may include:  Rash, usually on the chest with the look and feeling of sandpaper Headache Fatigue Stomach ache, nausea, or vomiting (especially in children) Ultimately, your doctor will have to diagnose whether or not your illness is strep throat or caused by something else. Your body will begin clearing most viral infections that can cause similar symptoms within a day or two (not completely but a noticeable difference), so you should especially see your physician if symptoms persist at the same severity for more than 48 hours.
لاحظ أي ألم في الحلق. افتح فمك وافحص حلقك. تحسس عنقك. انتبه لنفسك. قم بقياس درجة حرارتك. ابحث عن أعراض إضافية تشبه الأنفلونزا. زر طبيبك.