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1. Overview 2. How it spreads 3. Preventing 4. Signs & symptoms 5. Treatments 6. Risks and Complications

What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A strep. It leads to a sore, red, and inflamed throat, often accompanied by pain when swallowing. While strep throat can affect anyone, it’s most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15.

Without proper treatment, it can lead to serious complications such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever, which may affect the heart and joints. Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are key to a full recovery and preventing further health issues.

How Strep Throat Spreads

It is spread by direct person-to-person contact by inhaling droplets of secretions expelled through coughing or sneezing, or by saliva from infected persons when sharing food or drinks and kissing. Contact with contaminated objects and then bringing hands to the mouth, eyes or nose also transmits it. It is commonly transmitted between family members or people living in the same household.

Preventing Strep Throat

Good hygiene habits prevent chances of strep throat transmission. Adults and children should wash their hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing and before preparing food or eating.

If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used. Cover the mouth when sneezing and discard used tissues, wash drinking glasses, dishes, and eating utensils after they have been used by a sick person.

Strep Throat Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of Strep Throat

Sore and swollen throat with white patches
Fever
Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
Pain on swallowing
Red and swollen tonsils
Headache and general malaise
Skin rash
Small red spots on the roof of the mouth

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Strep Throat Treatments

A throat infection is treated with antibiotics to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and stop the spread of the bacteria.

The best antibiotics for people not allergic to penicillin are amoxicillin and cephalexin, taken orally for 7 days. For patients allergic to penicillin, your online doctor can prescribe clindamycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin.

Rest is recommended from the onset of infection until symptoms subside. Children may return to school when they feel better and no longer have a fever. It is important to complete all treatment to prevent complications.

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Risks and Complications of Untreated Strep Throat

If left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious health complications beyond just a sore throat. The bacteria responsible for the infection can spread and cause conditions such as kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis) and rheumatic fever, which may damage the heart, joints, and nervous system. Other possible complications include scarlet fever, abscesses in the tonsils, sinus infections, and ear infections.

Prompt treatment with antibiotics for strep greatly reduces the risk of these outcomes. That’s why it's important to take any throat pain, trouble swallowing, or painful lymph nodes seriously and begin a treatment plan as soon as possible. You can get sore throat treatment online with 24hrdoc.

Common questions about Strep Throat

Strep throat can often be diagnosed and treated through an online consultation if the healthcare provider is able to assess your symptoms and medical history adequately. In some cases, they might recommend a visit to a local clinic for a rapid strep test before prescribing antibiotics.

If left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious complications, including rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart valves, and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, a kidney condition. It's important to seek treatment promptly to avoid these potentially serious health problems.

Online consultations can be a good initial step if leaving home is inconvenient or if symptoms are mild. However, for severe symptoms, or if there is difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, or persistent fever, it is better to see a doctor in person for a thorough evaluation and rapid testing.

When you have strep throat, it's best to eat soft, bland foods that are easy to swallow. Soups, broths, applesauce, and yogurt are good options. Avoid spicy or acidic foods as they can irritate the throat. Staying hydrated is essential, so drink plenty of fluids, herbal teas, and other non-irritating beverages.

If someone in your household has strep throat, minimize close contact to prevent the spread of the infection. Encourage the infected individual to use separate eating utensils and drinkware, which should be washed thoroughly. Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces, and encourage frequent handwashing for all household members.

Recurrent strep throat can be a concern as it may indicate an underlying issue with the immune system or tonsils. Frequent infections can lead to more serious conditions like rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart or cause other complications. In some cases, recurrent infections may lead to the recommendation of a tonsillectomy.

Recovery from strep throat typically takes about 7 to 10 days with proper antibiotics. Once you start medication for strep throat, symptoms like throat pain, trouble swallowing, and painful or swollen lymph nodes usually begin to improve within 48 hours. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers can also ease discomfort while your body heals. It's important to finish the full treatment plan to completely eliminate the bacteria and avoid complications like rheumatic fever. If you’re unsure about your symptoms, a telehealth visit with 24hrdoc can help determine the right care quickly.

Yes, it's possible to have strep throat without a fever. While a fever is a common symptom, some people—especially adults—may only experience mild symptoms such as sore throat or nausea. This can make it harder to tell whether you’re dealing with a viral infection or something that requires strep throat treatment.

You may need antibiotics if a strep throat test confirms the presence of Streptococcus bacteria. Symptoms like sudden throat pain, trouble swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes without a cough are strong indicators. Since not all sore throats are caused by bacteria, a 24hrdoc healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms during your telehealth visit before deciding to prescribe medication. If appropriate, your online doctor can order prescriptions that you can fill at your local pharmacy. Starting antibiotics early can shorten illness and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Yes, strep throat can be contagious even before symptoms begin. The bacteria responsible for the infection can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This means you could unknowingly spread the infection to others even if you don’t yet feel sick. Practicing good hygiene and seeking prompt strep throat treatment online after exposure can help stop the spread.

While antibiotics for strep are needed to eliminate the infection, home remedies can provide comfort while you heal. Warm saltwater gargles, throat lozenges, herbal teas, and staying hydrated can all help relieve throat pain and trouble swallowing. Using a humidifier to moisten dry air may also ease discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are commonly used for temporary relief. Home remedies don’t replace proper sore throat treatment. For an accurate diagnosis and online prescription, consider a telehealth visit with 24hrdoc to treat strep throat fast.