Strep Throat: 4 Doctor-Approved Signs You Need to Know (And When to Get Tested)

Worried your sore throat might be strep? Understanding what doctors look for can help you decide whether to seek medical attention. Dr. Jill Grimes with Thread Health, Digital Health for teens, shares the four key criteria that healthcare providers use to determine whether to test or possibly even treat for strep throat.

The Four Key Signs of Strep Throat

1. True Fever

The first thing doctors look for is a true fever, as measured by a thermometer. This means a temperature greater than 100.5°F. It's important to use an actual thermometer rather than relying on how you feel.

2. Enlarged Red Tonsils

The second sign involves visually examining your throat. Look in the mirror and shine a light to the back of your throat. You're looking for lumpy tissue on one or both sides. With strep throat, the tonsils are often fire engine red and may or may not have pus on them.

3. Swollen Lymph Nodes

The third indicator is tender, swollen nodes in the front part of your neck. These lymph nodes become enlarged as your body fights the strep infection.

4. Lack of Cough

The final sign doctors look for is actually the absence of something - no cough. If you have a cough along with your sore throat, it is much less likely to be strep throat.

When to Contact Your Doctor

To recap, the four signs doctors evaluate are:

Fever (greater than 100.5°F)

Swollen red tonsils

Tender lymph nodes in the front of the neck

No cough

The more of these signs you have, the more likely it is that you're dealing with strep throat, and you need to reach out to your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Remember, only a healthcare provider can definitively diagnose strep throat through proper testing. If you're experiencing these symptoms, don't hesitate to contact a doctor for evaluation.