When Is Strep Throat Dangerous?

Strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throats. If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.

When should you go to the hospital for strep throat?

In general, if your sore throat lasts longer than one to two days, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as joint pain, difficult breathing, abdominal pain, rash, or fever, you should seek medical care at your nearest FastMed location.

Can strep throat become deadly?

People with strep throat can spread the bacteria to others until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment or for 10 to 21 days if not treated. Although rare, severe cases of strep can cause pneumonia, organ failure, long-term heart problems, life- threatening skin infection, arm/leg amputations, and death.