Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat and the tonsils. The throat gets irritated and inflamed, causing a sudden, severe sore throat.

This is caused by streptococcal bacterial infection of the mucous membranes lining the throat or pharynx.

The main signs of having strep throat are:

• Sudden, severe throat ache
  
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever over 101.
• Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes
• White or yellow spots on the back of a red throat
• Headache

• Tonsillitis- Inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils. Strep throat causes tonsil swelling.
  
• Rheumatic fever- Inflammatory disease that may develop after an infection with group A Streptococcus bacteria (such as strep throat or scarlet fever). The disease can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain.
  
• Streptococcus- Genus of spherical Gram-positive bacteria belonging to the phylum Firmicutes and the lactic acid bacteria group.
  

Direct contact with saliva or fluids from the nose or mouth of an infected person can transfer strep throat to your body. Crowded areas like schools or nursing homes are most infected.

• Antibiotics (Penicillin)
  
• Home Remedies
  
• Tonsillectomy
  

The most common outbreak 0f strep throat occurs in ages 5 through 15 years old. Every year, an estimated number of 9,000-11,500 people catch strep throat.

In late fall, winter, and early spring is when strep goes around the most. As of right now, about 15% of Americans are dealing with the common infection.

• Depletes energy from the body
  
• Scratchy throat
  
• Fever
  

• Kidney problems
  
• Organ problems
  
• Heart disease
  
• Scarlet fever
  

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/strep-throat-topic-overview

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/strep_throat.html  

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/basics/definition/con-20022811

http://www.medicinenet.com/strep_throat_gas/article.htm

http://www.healthline.com/health/strep-throat#Overview

http://www.healthcommunities.com/strep-throat/children/overview-of-strep-throat.shtml

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001663/