How do you know if it’s just a sore throat – or strep?

If you run to the doctor every time you get a sore throat – there are a few things to consider first.

Dr. Robert M. Centor says there are a few factors that might help you determine if it’s strep:

• Consider age first. Strep is most common in kids, adolescents and young adults. If you’re over 30 – it’s harder to get unless someone in your family has it.

• Consider the symptoms. If your throat hurts so much that it’s hard to swallow anything – and you have a fever – go to the doctor.

• Consider lack of symptoms. If you’ve got the severe sore throat WITHOUT a runny nose or cough – that suggests strep too.

If you do think you or your child has strep throat – don’t put off the trip to the doctor and the test. It’s contagious and you NEED antibiotics to reduce the risk of strep complications, which can be really serious.