It’s bad enough to have a sore throat that makes you feel miserable. But when it could be strep throat, it’s more than just annoying.
Strep throat is highly contagious, spreading easily to family members, classmates, and co-workers. It can also lead to severe illness if it’s not treated quickly with antibiotics. That’s why it’s essential to learn all about the signs of strep throat.
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils (the lymph nodes in the back of your mouth). It causes your tonsils and throat to become very inflamed, leading to a sore throat.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and usually resolve on their own. However, strep throat is caused by bacteria – specifically, Group A Streptococcus bacteria – and should be treated with oral antibiotics. Without antibiotic treatment, strep throat can cause serious complications like rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart valves, kidneys, and joints. That’s why it’s vital to see a healthcare provider for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
What are the signs of strep throat?
You may not have all of the symptoms, but here are the most common signs of strep throat:
- A sore throat that starts suddenly
- Fever that develops quickly
- Red, swollen tonsils and throat
- Headache or chills
- What spots or pus in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
One helpful strep throat clue to look for is a sore throat with a fever above 100.4 F but with little to no coughing. Strep throat doesn’t usually cause a cough, so if you have a cough and other cold symptoms, it’s probably a viral infection. See a healthcare provider anytime you have concerns about your symptoms.
Is strep throat contagious?
Yes, strep throat is highly contagious! Once you or your child are infected, it can take a few days to develop symptoms. The infection can spread to others before symptoms even start, and it remains contagious until you’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
How do you get strep throat?
When someone with strep throat sneezes or coughs, respiratory droplets containing the bacteria spread. If those droplets get on your hands and you touch your nose, mouth, or eyes, you may develop strep throat.
Wash your hands frequently (especially before eating), and don’t share glasses or eating utensils. Always cough or sneeze into your bent elbow instead of your hands to prevent spreading germs.
How is strep throat diagnosed and treated?
Strep throat is diagnosed using a rapid strep test. Your healthcare provider swabs the back of the throat and tests for the bacteria that causes strep. The results are available within minutes.
If the results are positive, you’ll likely get a prescription for amoxicillin or penicillin. Antibiotic treatment prevents the complications of strep throat and helps ease symptoms faster. It’s important to finish the entire ten days of antibiotic treatment even after you start feeling better.
Need a strep test today? Book an appointment with us today.
Good Life Family Medicine Can Help
Strep throat can cause inflammation, fever, and a severe sore throat. While the infection is painful, it’s easily treatable with antibiotics. If you have signs of strep throat, contact Good Life Family Medicine in College Station, Texas, and let us help you feel better!
