Strep throat is widely known for causing a sudden, painful sore throat, but many people don’t realize it can also trigger gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Children, especially, may experience stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting along with classic throat-related symptoms. While these signs can be confusing, they are often part of the body’s immune response to the Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Understanding why this happens, and recognizing the full range of symptoms, can help you identify strep throat more quickly and seek appropriate treatment.
For same-day strep throat treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange. Our urgent care center is open 7 days a week and appointments are not required. Walk in or plan your visit in advance below!
How Strep Throat Causes Gastrointestinal Symptoms
The bacteria responsible for strep throat release toxins that can affect multiple systems in the body; not just the throat. These toxins may irritate the stomach lining or influence the nervous system, leading to nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Children tend to show GI symptoms more often than adults, sometimes even before throat pain becomes noticeable. Additionally, the body’s inflammatory response can make the digestive tract more sensitive, contributing to discomfort. When GI symptoms appear with fever or sore throat, strep testing is recommended.
How Common Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is very common, especially in school-aged children between 5 and 15 years old. It spreads easily in group settings such as schools, daycare centers, and households. While adults can get strep throat, they are generally affected less frequently. Cases tend to rise during late fall, winter, and early spring; seasons when respiratory infections spread more quickly. Despite its prevalence, strep throat is often mistaken for viral infections, making proper testing important.
What Are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?
Strep throat usually appears suddenly and includes symptoms such as:
- Severe sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
In children, additional symptoms may include:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat typically does not cause coughing, sneezing, or congestion.
Is Strep Throat Contagious?
Yes, strep throat is highly contagious. It spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Sharing cups, utensils, towels, or touching contaminated surfaces can also lead to infection. Close-contact environments greatly increase the risk, and individuals can spread the bacteria even before symptoms appear.
How Long Is Strep Throat Contagious?
Without treatment, strep throat can remain contagious for up to two to three weeks, even if symptoms improve. However, once a person starts antibiotics, they usually become far less contagious after about 24 hours. This is why early diagnosis and treatment are important, not only for symptom relief but also for reducing the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Get Same-Day Strep Throat Testing and Treatment at AFC Urgent Care West Orange in West Orange, NJ
If you suspect strep throat, especially when GI symptoms accompany a sore throat or fever, visiting urgent care is essential to prevent complications and protect those around you. Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange– we’re open seven days a week! Seeking timely medical care can help prevent complications and ensure proper relief for your symptoms. We accept most major insurance plans and offer affordable self-pay options for those without insurance. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please call us at (973) 669-5900.
