What is a 'strep' throat?

Bacterial infection: Strep is short for streptococcus. Strep throat is an infection by this bacteria which if left untreated, in rare cases, can lead to rheumatic fever (afects heart valves and kidneys). It is the "only" throat infection that requires treatment with antibiotics (to avoid rheumatic fever).

Throat infection: "strep" throat is an infection of the throat or tonsils caused by a type of bacteria called group a streptococcus. Usually accompanied by fever, headache, or nausea, strep is one if the few throat infections treated with antibiotics. Strep can only be reliably diagnosed with a throat swab. Although most cases resolve on their own, complications can arise if untreated within 10 days.