Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, inability to swallow saliva, severe drowsiness, confusion, collapse, or rapidly worsening swelling of the throat or neck.
And for anyone, someone who:
is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Arrange a routine or same-day assessment if you or your child has a sudden sore throat with fever, painful swallowing, swollen neck glands, or a known close exposure to strep throat.
Testing may be appropriate, particularly when there is no cough or runny nose.
Contact a healthcare service promptly if:
Symptoms are worsening rather than improving
There is no improvement after about 48 hours of antibiotics
Fever returns after initially settling
A rough red rash develops
Drinking is difficult or there are signs of dehydration
Dark urine, facial swelling, joint pain, or unusual movements appear after the infection
Throat infections keep coming back
Seek urgent assessment for severe one-sided throat pain, a muffled voice, drooling, neck swelling, or difficulty opening the mouth.
These can suggest an abscess.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Strep throat. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.