Strep throat is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. There are many different types of strep bacteria. Some cause more serious illness than others.
Although some people are quick to think that any painful sore throat is strep, sore throats are usually caused by a viral infection and not strep bacteria. A sore throat caused by a virus can be just as painful as strep throat. But if you have cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or a runny or stuffy nose, you probably do not have strep throat.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of strep throat are:
* A sudden, severe sore throat.
* Pain when you swallow.
* Fever over 101F.
* Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes.
* White or yellow spots on the back of a bright red throat.