Strep Throat?

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, but this quiz will help determine the likelihood that it is the strep bacteria. The results will help guide our decision about testing.

Or, if you prefer just to discuss or schedule a clinic visit, let us know!

Please answer all questions before submitting.
1. Age
For age under 3, contact the clinic — strep is uncommon and testing rules differ in this age group.
2. Measured temperature 100.4°F (38°C) or higher?
Use a thermometer; answer Yes only for a measured reading at or above this number.
3. Cough present?
4. Swollen or tender lumps on the sides of the neck?
Gently feel the front sides of the neck, just below the jaw, for sore or swollen spots.
5. White or yellow patches on the tonsils or back of the throat?
Look at the back of the throat in good light. [throat photo guide]
6. Emergency Screen
Right now, are there any of the following symptoms or signs? Any one of these could be a medical emergency.
  • Trouble breathing, or noisy breathing
  • Drooling, or cannot swallow spit
  • Stiff neck with a very ill or confused feeling
7. Urgent Symptom Screen
Right now, are there any of the following? Any one means the clinic should be contacted promptly.
  • Severe swelling or a bulge on one side of the throat or neck
  • Hard to open the mouth all the way
  • Voice sounds muffled, like talking with a mouth full of food
  • Severe throat pain mostly on one side
Odds of Strep Throat
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This estimate is based on at-home answers, which are less exact than an in-person clinic exam.
Low Risk Moderate Risk High Risk
Outcome Headline
Outcome details...
    You can paste these results in a message to share with your doctor or nurse at the clinic. They will reply with the appropriate next steps.
    Clinical Citations & Scoring Logic

    Primary Rule: Modified Centor (McIsaac) Score (1998, 2004).

    Clinical Logic Summary: Sums criteria including fever ≥100.4°F (+1), absence of cough (+1), tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy (+1), tonsillar exudates/patches (+1), and age modifiers (3–14 years: +1; 15–44 years: 0; ≥45 years: -1). Emergency flags trigger emergency tier override; urgent symptoms route to high-risk prompt evaluation tier.

    Provider Disclaimer: This web tool provides probability estimations to assist communication and does not replace formal clinical diagnosis, throat swabs, or rapid antigen testing.

    References: Hamilton & McCrea, AFP, 2024; Eguiguren et al., AAP, 2026; Linder et al., IDSA, CID, 2026.

    Throat Examination Visual Guide

    When checking the throat, use a flashlight and look for visible white or yellow spots, coating, or patches of pus on the tonsils or back wall of the throat.

    White and Yellow Exudate Patches
    White/Yellow Exudate Patches
    Discrete white or yellowish spots or patches of pus on swollen tonsils.
    Coated Tonsils and Red Throat
    Coated or Patchy Throat
    Prominent redness accompanied by patchy white film or spots on the back of the throat.