Strep throat typically feels like a sudden, severe sore throat that can be very painful and uncomfortable. Common sensations and symptoms include:
- Throat pain that comes on quickly and is often severe
- Painful swallowing due to sore, red, and swollen throat and tonsils
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever, often sudden and high
- Headache, body aches, and sometimes nausea or vomiting, especially in children
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
- In some cases, a rough, sandpaper-like rash known as scarlet fever
Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat usually does not cause cough or cold symptoms like a runny nose or congestion. The throat pain is often described as "a sore throat like no other" and can make swallowing difficult and painful
. If you experience these symptoms, especially a severe sore throat without cough, swollen lymph nodes, and white patches on the tonsils, it is advisable to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
