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How long does strep throat last?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus.1 While strep is most common in children, it can impact adults as well. One worry people have is how long strep throat lasts—the sore throat it causes can be quite uncomfortable. Let us explore the typical timeline for strep throat, how it differs in children than adults, and how treatment affects recovery time. 

PlushCare Content Team
Written by PlushCare Content Team
Alisha-Goodrum-MD
Medically reviewed by Alisha Goodrum, MD
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Typical duration of strep throat symptoms

Strep throat symptoms typically appear suddenly and usually last anywhere from three to seven days.2 The sore throat is often the first symptom and is quickly followed by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. However, whether strep throat is treated properly makes a difference for recovery timelines. If left untreated, strep throat can last for a week or more. The body’s immune system might fight off the infection on its own, but it is likely that complications occur. 

 

Our doctors can help you get strep throat treatment online. Once this begins, most people begin to feel better within a day or two.  No matter how quickly you feel better, it is important to finish all the antibiotics prescribed to ensure the infection is fully eradicated. 

Treated vs. untreated duration time

How long strep throat hangs around depends on whether it is treated with antibiotics. That is why it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

 

Antibiotics prescribed to treat strep throat are typically penicillin, amoxicillin, or clindamycin. Once antibiotics are prescribed, most people feel relief within 24 hours. The sore throat and other symptoms generally improve over the next two to three days.5 After 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and 24 hours of being fever free without use of fever reducing medication, you are no longer contagious, but it is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics to prevent a recurrence or any health complications. 

 

Untreated strep throat can last up to 10 days. During this time, a person remains contagious, which means they can spread the infection to others. Untreated strep can also lead to serious complications, including rheumatic fever, kidney issues, or sinus infections, which may prolong the overall illness.6 

 

Not completing the prescribed course of antibiotics can predispose a person to persistent strep throat. The bacteria may also become resistant to the antibiotic that is not completed, adding to the chances of developing antibiotic-resistant strep infection.6 

 

Home remedies such as ice packs or eating soft foods can make a strep throat sufferer more comfortable, but they cannot cure the infection. They are short-term solutions and do not provide lasting relief or curative measures for the infection.

Complications can extend strep throat’s duration

If not properly treated, strep throat can lead to severe complications.6 These include: 

 

  • Rheumatic fever. This is a rare but potentially serious complication that can develop after strep throat, especially in children. It can affect the heart, joints, and nervous system, and may extend the duration of illness significantly. 

  • Peritonsillar abscess. This condition occurs when pus forms near the tonsils. It can cause severe pain and swelling and may require surgical drainage.  

  • Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. This is a kidney inflammation that can develop after strep throat, leading to long-term health issues. 

Does strep throat last longer in children or adults?

Children and adults can both fall ill with strep throat, but strep is more common in children, especially those between the ages of five and 15.4 While symptoms are similar in both age groups, children may experience a slightly longer recovery period due to their immature immune systems. 

 

In children, strep throat symptoms can last up to seven days if left untreated, but they also tend to recover quickly once antibiotics are started. In some cases, younger children including toddlers might also experience additional symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, which can make them feel worse. 

 

Adults with strep throat typically experience the same three- to seven-day range for symptoms. However, without antibiotics, strep throat in adults can last a week or more, increasing the risk of potentially severe complications. 

How long after exposure will strep show up?

Once someone is exposed to strep throat, they will typically become sick within two to five days.3 Even if you feel fine within this period, that does not mean you are not contagious.  

 

Per the Centers for Disease Control, you are considered contagious with strep throat until you are fever-free without the use of medication for at least 24 hours and have been taking antibiotics for at least one day.4 Until then, you should stay home and away from others to avoid passing the disease. People who do not receive treatment can remain contagious until they are better.,  

When to seek medical attention

It is vital to seek medical attention if you suspect you have strep throat, especially if symptoms last longer than a few days or if you develop additional symptoms, such as: 

 

  • A sore throat that does not improve, even after 48 hours of antibiotic treatment. 
  • A high fever that lasts more than 48 hours. 
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing. 
  • Swelling in the neck or a red, sandpaper-like rash, which could indicate scarlet fever. 

 

Caught early and treated, strep throat’s duration is significantly reduced, and the risk of complications minimized.5, 6 

3 simple steps to get treated for strep throat today

Strep throat duration
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Book a strep throat treatment appointment.

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Talk to our doctors regarding your strep throat symptoms.

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If prescribed, pick up a prescription for strep throat.

Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. If medication is prescribed, it will be sent to your pharmacy of choice.

Strep throat treatment pricing details

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Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

  1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Strep Throat. Accessed on November 24, 2024, at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/strep-throat. 
  2. Verywell Health. Will Strep Throat Go Away on Its Own? Accessed on November 26, 2024, at https://www.verywellhealth.com/will-strep-throat-go-away-on-its-own-7734833. 
  3. Medical News Today. How long does strep throat last? Accessed on November 25, 2024, at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-does-strep-throat-last. 
  4. CDC. Strep Throat. Accessed on November 27, 2024, at https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/about/strep-throat.html. 
  5. Verywell Health. How Strep Throat is Treated. Accessed on November 28, 2024, at https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-strep-throat-is-treated-5187629. 
  6. Healthgrades. Dangers of Untreated Strep Throat. Accessed on November 29, 2024, at https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/ear-nose-and-throat/dangers-of-untreated-strep-throat. 



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