Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. It is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus (GAS). Strep throat is spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. Symptoms of strep throat include sore throat, fever, headache, and body aches. In severe cases, strep throat can lead to complications such as scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, and kidney inflammation.
There are a number of things you can do to avoid getting strep throat, including: