What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. Group A Streptococcus bacteria cause this common condition. Strep throat can affect both children and adults of all ages. However, it is most common in children aged 5 to 15. Sneezing, coughing, sharing food utensils, and other types of close contact with someone who has strep throat can spread the infection from one person to another.  (Healthline, 2022)

How Contagious Is Strep Throat?

The bacterial infection strep throat is highly contagious. When someone with strep throat sneezes or coughs, small respiratory droplets become airborne and spread. Discover why strep throat is so contagious.

Children are more likely than adults to get strep throat. It primarily affects children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 15. Because strep throat is so contagious, it can easily spread in places where children congregate, such as day care centers and schools.

Adults who spend a lot of time around children, such as parents of school-aged children, may be more susceptible to strep throat. Strep throat is uncommon in toddlers under the age of three. Learn what to do if your child has a sore throat.

What Are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?

A sore throat is the most common symptom of strep infection in you or your child. A sore throat can also be caused by a cold or another virus. A virus will frequently cause a runny nose, which is one way to tell the difference. With strep, the sore throat appears quickly and is more likely to be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Throat pain that is sudden and severe
• Swallowing difficulties
• Tonsils that are red, inflamed, and have white spots or pus blisters
• Upper jaw with bright red patches
• Dizziness and fever
• Extensive headache
• Rashes and irritation
• Tiredness and pain in the body
• Younger age groups experience nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite

The most common symptom of a strep infection in any individual is a dry throat. Colds and other viruses can also cause sore throats. A virus, on the other hand, will usually cause a runny nose, which is one way to tell the difference. (Kids Health, 2022)

When To Seek Medical Attention 

Consult your healthcare facility if you or your child are showing symptoms for more than a few days, including:

• Frequent sore throat with painkillers not easing the pain
• High fever which is also leads to difficulty breathing
• Difficulty in breathing
• Painful swallowing
• Drooling
• Dark-colored urine – an indication that the streptococcus bacteria could have infected the kidneys
• If the person is immune compromised

(WebMD, 2022)

If a pregnant woman suspects she has strep throat, she should see a doctor right away to receive prompt treatment.

Our medical professionals can perform a specific test for strep throat and can help you recover with antibiotics.

How Do I Take Care of Someone with Strep Throat?

Most sore throats are caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Taking care of the infection will alleviate your sore throat.

• Drinking plenty of fluids can help relieve sore throat symptoms
• Getting as much rest as possible
• Using humidifiers or vaporizers
• Avoiding irritants such as second-hand smoke
• Resting your voice

 Stay Protected

Perhaps your sore throat began with a tickle in the back of your throat. That tickle is now a physical pain, and it hurts a lot when you swallow or talk. Most sore throats are caused by a viral infection that will resolve in a week or so. If your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, you may require antibiotics. Fortunately, there are numerous home remedies for sore throat relief. However, there are times when a sore throat is a sign of a more serious medical problem.

We can test for strep throat so that it is properly diagnosed and treated. Make an appointment for a strep throat test and be on your way to feeling better!

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Works Cited

 “Sore Throat: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/8274-sore-throat-pharyngitis

“Strep Throat (for Parents) – Nemours Kidshealth.” Edited by Rachel S. Schare, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, Apr. 2022, kidshealth.org/en/parents/strep-throat.html

“Strep Throat: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” WebMD, WebMD, 2022, www.webmd.com/oral-health/understanding-strep-throat-basics

Higuera, Valencia. “Strep Throat: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 6 Jan. 2022, www.healthline.com/health/strep-throat