Quiz: Do I Have Strep Throat?

Do you ever feel like you might have strep throat? Do you sometimes wake up with a sore throat and a fever, and not know what to do? If so, you’re not alone. Strep throat is one of the most common illnesses in the world, and it can be tough to tell whether or not you have it.

That’s why we’ve created this quiz- to help you determine whether or not you might have strep throat. This quiz is based on the most common symptoms of strep throat, so it’s a good place to start if you’re not sure what’s wrong.

So take the quiz below and find out how likely it is that you have strep throat. And if the results are positive, don’t worry- there are plenty of ways to treat this illness. Just make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Table of Contents

Do I Have a Strep Throat Quiz

Disclaimer: This quiz is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is designed to provide general information and guidance. This quiz is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please see your doctor for professional advice.

What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. It’s caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, and it can cause symptoms such as a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen glands in the neck. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to more serious complications, such as rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis

How Do You Get Strep Throat?

Strep throat is caused by the group A streptococcus bacteria. It’s typically spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. It can also be spread by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the bacteria and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. Strep throat is most commonly seen in children and teenagers, but it can affect people of any age.

How to Know if You Have Strep Throat or Just a Sore Throat?

It can be difficult to tell the difference between strep throat and a sore throat caused by a virus, such as the common cold or flu. Some signs that you might have strep throat include:

  • Sudden, severe sore throat without any other symptoms of a cold or flu
  • Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
  • Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes in the neck
  • Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite

If you think you might have strep throat, it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor can do a throat culture or rapid strep test to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can help you determine the best course of action to relieve your symptoms and prevent complications.

What Are the Risk Factors of Strep Throat?

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing strep throat, including:

  • Age: Strep throat is most common in children and teenagers, but it can affect people of any age.
  • Close contact with others: Strep throat is highly contagious, so being in close contact with others, such as in a classroom or daycare setting, can increase your risk of getting the infection.
  • Season: Strep throat is more common in the fall and winter months.
  • Weakened immune system: If your immune system is weakened by illness or certain medications, you may be more susceptible to strep throat.
  • Exposure to tobacco smoke: Exposure to secondhand smoke can increase your risk of developing strep throat.

It’s important to be aware of these risk factors and take steps to reduce your risk of getting strep throat. This can include washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with others who are sick, and avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke. If you think you may be at increased risk of strep throat, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.

How Is Strep Throat Treated?

Strep throat is typically treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria and prevent complications. The type of antibiotic prescribed and the length of treatment will depend on your symptoms and the severity of your infection. In most cases, you’ll start feeling better within a few days of starting antibiotic treatment.

It’s important to finish the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. This will help ensure that the infection is completely cleared and prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to the antibiotic.

In addition to taking antibiotics, you can also try some self-care measures to help relieve your symptoms and speed up your recovery. These can include:

  • Getting plenty of rest
  • Drinking lots of fluids to stay hydrated
  • Gargling with warm salt water to soothe your throat
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce fever and discomfort
  • Avoiding irritants, such as smoke or strong odors, that can irritate your throat

If your symptoms are severe or if you have any underlying medical conditions, your doctor may recommend additional treatment or follow-up care. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and contact them if you have any concerns or questions.

How to Prevent Strep Throat?

There are several steps you can take to help prevent strep throat and other bacterial infections:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, or touching your face.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid sharing drinks, food, or utensils with others.
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
  • Disinfect surfaces and objects that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs and toys.

These steps can help reduce your risk of coming into contact with the bacteria that cause strep throat. However, it’s not always possible to prevent bacterial infections, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical treatment if necessary.

Get Help From DrHouse!

If you think you may have strep throat, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. At DrHouse, we can help connect you with a board-certified online doctor who can diagnose and treat your condition. Our doctors are available 24/7 for video visits, so you can get the care you need quickly and conveniently. With DrHouse, you can get started in minutes and have peace of mind knowing that you’re getting the best possible care. Get started now to get help from DrHouse!

FAQ

How Contagious Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is highly contagious and can be spread through close contact with an infected person. It’s important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, to help prevent the spread of the infection.

How Can I Test Myself for Strep Throat?

You can purchase a strep throat test kit at your local pharmacy. This kit will allow you to collect a sample of your saliva or mucus and send it off for testing. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and contact your doctor with any questions or concerns.

Can Strep Throat Go Away on its Own?

In most cases, strep throat will not go away on its own. It’s important to seek medical treatment and take antibiotics as prescribed to ensure that the infection is completely cleared. Do not stop taking your medication even if you start feeling better.

How Long Does Throat Strep Last?

The length of time that strep throat lasts can vary depending on the severity of your infection and whether or not you receive treatment. Most people start to feel better within a few days of taking antibiotics. It’s important to finish the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.

What Happens if Strep Throat Is Untreated?

If strep throat is left untreated, it can lead to complications such as kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever. It’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible if you think you may have strep throat.

Sources:

Content on the DrHouse website is written by our medical content team and reviewed by qualified MDs, PhDs, NPs, and PharmDs. We follow strict content creation guidelines to ensure accurate medical information. However, this content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information read our medical disclaimer.

Always consult with your physician or other qualified health providers about medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on what you read on this website.

If you are experiencing high fever (>103F/39.4C), shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, abnormal bruising, abnormal bleeding, extreme fatigue, dizziness, new weakness or paralysis, difficulty with speech, confusion, extreme pain in any body part, or inability to remain hydrated or keep down fluids or feel you may have any other life-threatening condition, please go to the emergency department or call 911 immediately.

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