The roof of the mouth may have fine red lesions called petechiae. While cough, hoarseness, and runny nose are common symptoms of viral upper respiratory infections, these are NOT symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis. It is important to realize that most sore throats are not due to streptococcal infections. When strep throat is accompanied by a red rash and fever, it is called scarlet fever. Streptococcal pharyngitis usually results from direct contact with another person with streptococcal pharyngitis.
Asymptomatic carriers play a role in transmission, particularly during outbreaks.
Anyone can get streptococcal pharyngitis, but the infection is most common in school-age children. The incubation period of streptococcal pharyngitis usually is 1-3 days. Streptococcal pharyngitis is usually diagnosed by culture of a swab of the throat. Results of the throat culture are usually known after 2 days. In recent years, a number of rapid tests utilizing a swab of the throat have become available.