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OVERVIEW

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria. It is called “strep” because the bacteria that causes the infection is called streptococcus.  Strep throat makes your throat feel very sore with painful swallowing. Your throat may also feel scratchy and raw.

Can other people catch my strep throat?

Yes. Strep throat is contagious. You can pass the strep infection to other people until you have been treated appropriately with an antibiotic. Children who have strep throat should not go back to school or day care until their fever has gone away and they have taken an antibiotic for at least 24 hours.

 Here are more things you can do to prevent spreading strep throat:

• Frequently wash your hands,
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Avoid sharing food utensils (such as drinking glasses) while you are sick

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

The symptoms of strep throat include the following:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Swollen, sore neck glands
• Red and swollen tonsils
• White patches in the throat or on the tonsils
• Headache

In addition to the symptoms listed above, children may also have the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Red rash with small spots that is worse under the arms and in skin creases

CAUSES

What causes strep throat?

Strep throat is caused by bacteria. It spreads easily from person to person. You can get it by coming into contact with the nose fluids or saliva of someone who has strep throat. Strep throat is most common in young children, but people of all ages can get it.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How is strep throat diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may use a test called the rapid strep test to diagnose strep throat. For this test, the healthcare provider uses a long cotton swab to take some of the fluid or mucus from the back of your throat. The results of this test can be ready in about 15 minutes.

Your healthcare provider may also do a culture of the mucus. A sample of the mucus is sent to a laboratory. This test is called a throat culture. It can take up to 2 days to learn the results of a strep culture.

The rapid strep test and the culture can tell your healthcare provider if you have strep throat. If something else is causing your sore throat, these tests do not tell what it is.

PREVENTION

Can strep throat be prevented or avoided?

Strep throat is very contagious. It can be hard to protect yourself when you are around people who are infected with strep throat. Try to avoid people who have strep, when possible. If you must be around someone who has strep throat, be sure to wash your hands frequently. Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs.

TREATMENT

How is strep throat treated?

Strep throat is treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria. Killing bacteria helps ease the symptoms of strep throat and helps it go away a little faster. Antibiotics can also prevent a few rare, but serious conditions that people who have strep throat might develop. These include rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.

It is important to take all of the antibiotics your healthcare provider prescribes. This reduces the risk that your symptoms will return and also helps prevent antibiotic resistance.

Should all sore throats be treated with antibiotics?

No. Not every sore throat is strep throat. Bacteria only cause a small portion of all sore throats. The rest are caused by viruses or other problems that antibiotics do not help. Your healthcare provider can do a test to check for strep throat.

What can make my sore throat feel better?

Here are some things that might help you feel better:

• Take ibuprofen (some brand names: Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) to relieve pain and reduce fever. Children should not take aspirin. Aspirin can cause a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome when it is given to children younger than 18 years of age.
• Gargle with warm salt water (1 ml (1/2 teaspoon) of salt in 250 ml (1 cup) [8 ounces] of warm water.
• Adults and older children can suck on throat lozenges, hard candy, pieces of ice or popsicles.
• Eat soft foods (such as yogurt and applesauce) and drink cool drinks or warm liquids (such as broths, soups and tea).
• Get plenty of rest. Sleep helps your body fight infection.
• Drink plenty of water. This helps keep your throat lubricated and helps prevent dehydration.
• Avoid acidic or spicy foods and drinks (such as orange juice and peppers).

Living with strep throat

Strep throat is an infection that typically comes and goes, especially when you’re younger. If you have recurring strep throat, it could be that someone in your family is a carrier of strep. Carriers have the strep bacteria in their throats, but it does not make them sick. Treating carriers can help prevent the spread of strep.