If you or your child wakes up with a sudden sore throat, fever, and trouble swallowing, you may be dealing with strep throat. At Sellwood Medical Clinic, our family medicine and pediatric teams help patients every day who are concerned about throat infections and other common illnesses.
Here is what you should know about strep throat, how it is treated, and when it is time to schedule an appointment.
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. It is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria and is most common in school-aged children, though adults can get it as well.
Unlike many sore throats that are caused by viruses, strep throat usually needs prescription antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent complications.
Common symptoms of strep throat
Strep throat often comes on quickly. Symptoms may include:
- Sudden, severe sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red and swollen tonsils
- White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Headache or stomach pain, especially in children
Some people also experience nausea or vomiting. Cough, runny nose, and hoarseness are less common with strep throat and are more typical of viral infections.
How is strep throat spread?
Strep throat is contagious. It spreads through:
- Coughing or sneezing
- Sharing drinks, utensils, or food
- Close contact with someone who is infected
Children in schools, daycare, and group activities are at higher risk, but adults can catch it easily as well.
How is strep throat diagnosed?
A sore throat alone is not enough to confirm strep. At Sellwood Medical Clinic, your provider will perform a quick exam and may recommend a rapid strep test or a throat culture.
Testing is important because treating a viral sore throat with antibiotics will not help and can contribute to unnecessary side effects and antibiotic resistance.
Treatment for strep throat
If your test is positive, treatment typically includes:
- A short course of antibiotics
- Rest and hydration
- Over-the-counter pain relievers or fever reducers, when appropriate
Most patients start to feel better within 24 to 48 hours after beginning antibiotics. It is important to finish the entire prescription, even if symptoms improve.
Why prompt treatment matters
Treating strep throat early can:
- Shorten how long symptoms last
- Reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others
- Help prevent complications such as ear infections, sinus infections, or more serious inflammatory conditions
This is especially important for children, whose symptoms can worsen quickly.
When should you see a doctor?
You should schedule a visit if you or your child has:
- A sore throat with fever and no cough
- Trouble swallowing or opening the mouth
- Swollen neck glands and significant throat pain
- Symptoms that do not improve after 48 hours
- Repeated sore throats in a short period of time
Young children, infants, and patients with chronic medical conditions should be evaluated sooner.
Family and pediatric care you can trust
Sellwood Medical Clinic is an established, well-loved family medicine and pediatric practice serving the greater Portland metro area and Beaverton. Our diverse team of providers offers expert care for newborns, children, adults, and seniors, along with women’s health and gynecologic services.
We are committed to compassionate, patient-focused care and to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for every family. Whether your child has a sudden sore throat or you are dealing with an unexpected illness, our goal is to provide timely, thorough care and build long-term relationships with the people we serve.
Convenient locations for strep throat testing and treatment
Sellwood Medical Clinic offers easy access to care at four locations:
- 8332 SE 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202
- 8333 SE 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202
- 9925 SW Nimbus Ave, Suite 100, Beaverton, OR 97008
- 8333 SE 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202
If you or your child may have strep throat, call or schedule an appointment online today to be seen by the experienced, award-winning team at Sellwood Medical Clinic.
