The Truth About Strep Throat
There are many myths surrounding strep throat. For instance…
- Sore throat and fever — must be strep throat, right?
- Your doctor can tell just by looking whether it is strep throat or not.
- You need antibiotics to get rid of the sore throat.
Let’s try to get a grasp on what strep throat really is, how it is actually treated, and how you can avoid it.
What Exactly is Strep Throat?
Strep throat's official name is “group A streptococcal pharyngitis.” It is a bacteria-caused infection of the tonsils and the back of the throat. Symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Fever and headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rashes
Adults can get strep throat though it’s more common in children. Adults who have school-aged children or who are often in contact with children are more at risk.
Not everyone experiences all of the symptoms. In fact, you even can have strep throat without having a sore throat. Symptoms like cough, runny nose and congestion usually indicate it’s not strep throat.
How Is Strep Throat Diagnosed?
Providers run a cotton swab over the tonsils and back of the throat, then test it for bacteria. Newer tests can have results in about 30 minutes. In some unique situations, blood is tested instead.
Since viruses can cause symptoms identical to strep throat, including the white spots on the tonsils that are sometimes seen, it’s important to have a strep test. Then you’ll know if you or your child really has it.
How Is Strep Throat Treated?
You can get over the fever, sore throat and general lousy feeling on your own, but clinicians treat strep throat with antibiotics. That’s because the bacteria can cause heart damage called rheumatic heart disease if left untreated.
Treating the infection with meds also helps prevent the spread. You’ll feel better faster, too. People with strep are considered contagious until about 12 hours after they start antibiotics. So if you have it or any doubts: don’t return to school, work or daycare. Let the medication do its work.
In most strep cases, the antibiotics penicillin and amoxicillin work well, even for kids who might have had ear infections that amoxicillin did not cure. Due to the test, your provider knows which bacteria is the issue and will use a specific drug. Make sure to take all 10 days of the antibiotic. The germs can linger and rebound if you stop too soon.
How Is Strep Throat Spread?
Strep throat spreads through respiratory droplets and saliva. Coughing, sneezing, sharing cups or eating utensils – all will spread the infection. It takes two to five days after being exposed to start symptoms. It is not spread between animals and people; your family dog or cat can’t catch strep.
Basic Tips for Soothing Strep Throat
Generally, symptoms of strep throat start to improve in 24-48 hours after beginning treatment. To help soothe a sore throat, try drinking
While symptoms start to improve a day or two after treatment starts, there’s still some pain. Try these methods to address the sore throat that comes with strep:
- Try drinking warm liquids, such as lemon tea or tea with honey.
- Gargle several times a day with a mixture of a half-teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water.
- Try cold liquids, popsicles, hard candies or throat lozenges, too.
It’s best to not let young children have hard candies or throat lozenges, as they are choking hazards. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also be very helpful.
By understanding what strep throat is, you can avoid it or know how to best treat it.
Get Care for Strep Throat Symptoms
