10/13/2026
❓ What does strep throat look like? Another top-searched question this season.
Clues that point more toward strep than a typical viral sore throat:
• A very red throat and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Fever, headache, stomach ache (common in kids)
• Swollen, tender glands in the neck
• And notably: usually no cough
A runny nose, hoarse voice, and cough point more toward a virus — and viruses don't need antibiotics. Strep needs a test to confirm, because untreated strep can lead to complications.
A photo from the internet can't diagnose it — a quick strep test can. In-office testing is available at Lotus DPC in Brighton.
Members: message Dr. Thomas, come in, get tested, get a clear answer.
📍 Brighton · 📞 (248) 430-8649 · lotusdpc.com
Image: Group A Streptococcus bacteria, NIAID, CC BY 2.0.
Educational only — not medical advice.