KEY FACTS ABOUT STREP THROAT FROM THE CDC

• Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria (called “group A strep”). However, most sore throats are caused by viruses, not bacteria.
• Group A strep bacteria spread through contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. If you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching something that has these droplets on it, you may become ill.
• No one can diagnose strep throat just by looking at your throat. Doctors can swab your throat to see if you have strep throat.
• People with strep throat should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they no longer have a fever and have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
• Antibiotics taken for strep throat reduce the length of time you’re sick, prevent long-term health problems, and help prevent spreading the infection to friends and family members.