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How you get strep throat (Group A strep)  Respiratory droplets, Direct contact, and rarely, group A strep bacteria can be spread through food that isn’t handled properly. It usually takes 2 to 5 days after exposure to become ill with strep throat.

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If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage. Strep throat is most common in children, but it affects people of all ages. 

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If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage. Strep throat is most common in children, but it affects people of all ages. 

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Pain when swallowing

Sore throat that started very quickly and may look red

Red and swollen tonsils

White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils

Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae

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If you have strep infection there are things to be follow to avoid spreading:

Try and avoid contact with the person who has strep throat

If you are around someone who has strep, wash your hands often. Don't drink from the same glass or use the same eating utensils. Don't share toothbrushes.

Complete the prescribed course of antibiotics and over-the-counter medications as prescribed to prevent relapse.

Bacteria can live for a short time on doorknobs, water faucets, and other objects. It's a good idea to wash your hands regularly.

Use tissues to rub your nose and cover your mouth

Cover your nose when you sneeze

Cover your mouth when you cough

Wash your hands thoroughly

Stay away from school, college or office during infection

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Several factors can increase your risk of strep throat infection:
Young age. Strep throat occurs most commonly in children.
Time of year. Although strep throat can occur anytime, it tends to circulate in winter and early spring. Strep bacteria flourish wherever groups of people are in close contact.

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1. 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.

2. Molecular (polymerase chain reaction, or PCR) test. This test is also done using a swab sample from your throat.

3. 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.

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Doctors most often prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin (Amoxil) to treat strep throat. They are the top choices because they're safer, inexpensive, and they work well on strep bacteria.