Streptococcal pharyngitis, also called strep throat, is a very common, highly contagious infection of the oropharynx (the area including the back of your throat, the back part of your tongue, your tonsils, and the soft palate).

There are 11 million diagnosed cases annually in the US. Strep throat is spread readily from person to person by touching or coming into contact with the bacteria. The bacterial infection is most prevalent in late winter and early spring. If you are worried about getting strep throat, follow a few simple steps to prevent the infection and learn more about it so you know how to avoid it.