What makes strep throat feel better

They may be mild or severe. Some strains of strep throat can lead to a scarlet fever-like rash. The rash first appears on the neck and chest. It may then spread over the body. The rash may feel rough like sandpaper. The same germ that causes strep throat may also cause symptoms of a sinus infection or an ear infection.

Many other causes of sore throat may have the same symptoms. Your health care provider must do a test to diagnose strep throat and decide whether to prescribe antibiotics. A rapid strep test can be done in most provider offices. However, the test may be negative, even if strep is present. If the rapid strep test is negative and your provider still suspects that the strep bacteria is causing the sore throat, a throat swab can be tested cultured to see if strep grows from it.

Results will take 1 to 2 days. A sore throat should be treated with antibiotics only if the strep test is positive. Antibiotics are taken to prevent rare but more serious health problems, such as rheumatic fever. Symptoms of strep throat most often get better in about 1 week. Untreated, strep can lead to serious complications. Call your provider if you or your child develops the symptoms of strep throat. Also, call if symptoms do not get better within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment.

Most people with strep can spread the infection to others until they have been on antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours. They should stay home from school, daycare, or work until they have been on antibiotics for at least a day.

Get a new toothbrush after 2 or 3 days, but before finishing the antibiotics. Otherwise, the bacteria can live on the toothbrush and reinfect you when the antibiotics are done. Also, keep your family's toothbrushes and utensils separate, unless they have been washed. If repeated cases of strep still occur in a family, you might check to see if someone is a strep carrier. Carriers have strep in their throats, but the bacteria do not make them sick.

Sometimes, treating them can prevent others from getting strep throat. Ebell MH. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, look for signs and symptoms of strep throat, and probably order one or more of the following tests: Rapid antigen test.

Your doctor may perform a rapid antigen test on a swab sample from your throat. This test can detect strep bacteria in minutes by looking for substances antigens in the throat. If the test is negative but your doctor still suspects strep, he or she might do a throat culture. Molecular polymerase chain reaction, or PCR test. This test is also done using a swab sample from your throat. Throat culture.

A sterile swab is rubbed over the back of the throat and tonsils to get a sample of the secretions. It's not painful, but it may cause gagging. The sample is then cultured in a laboratory for the presence of bacteria, but results can take as long as two days.

More Information Recurring strep throat: When is tonsillectomy useful? Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Try an over-the-counter anesthetic throat spray or throat lozenges, which may help relieve throat pain.

Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids may help soothe an irritated throat. Hot fluids, such as tea or soup, may help your throat feel better. Eat soft solids and drink plenty of clear liquids. Flavoured ice pops, ice cream, scrambled eggs, sherbet, and gelatin dessert such as Jell-O may also soothe the throat. Get lots of rest. Do not smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines.

These can increase your chances of quitting for good. Use a vaporizer or humidifier to add moisture to the air in your bedroom. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: You have a new or higher fever You have a fever with a stiff neck or severe headache. You have new or worse trouble swallowing. Your sore throat gets much worse on one side.

Your pain becomes much worse on one side of your throat. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if: You are not getting better after 2 days 48 hours.