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Group A Streptococcus (group A strep bacteria) cause strep throat and are contagious.
- Overview
- How it spreads
- The contagious period
- Incidence
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Recovery
- Preventing the spread
Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection causing a sore and scratchy throat. You can be contagious a few days before symptoms start. When you stop depends on whether you’re treated with antibiotics.
Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils. It’s caused by a type of bacteria called group A Streptococcus (GAS).
GAS bacteria can spread from person to person through contact with respiratory droplets from a person with strep throat. These droplets may be spread when a person with strep throat coughs or sneezes.
If you’re exposed to these droplets and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you may contract strep throat. You may also get the infection if you:
•share food or a beverage with someone who has strep throat
•come into contact with a contaminated object, such as a faucet or doorknob
If you’re treated with antibiotics, you’ll remain contagious until you’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours. If you don’t seek treatment, you’ll remain contagious for 2 to 3 weeks after contracting the infection.
Strep throat is most common in school-age children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 30 percent of children with a sore throat have strep throat. Only 10 percent of adults with a sore throat have strep throat.
Adults who are frequently around school-age children have a higher risk of getting strep throat. Since strep throat is very contagious, being in crowded places, such as schools or daycare centers, can increase your risk of becoming sick.
The symptoms of strep throat include:
•a sore throat that comes on suddenly
•pain when swallowing
•fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
•little red spots located on the roof of your mouth
•tonsils that are red and swollen, and may have white spots or streaks of pus
If you suspect that you have strep throat, you should see your doctor in order to get tested and begin treatment. Penicillin or amoxicillin are typically used to treat strep throat. If you’re allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics can be used.
Antibiotics may help you feel better faster. They can also shorten the amount of time that you’re contagious.
Most people are no longer contagious after they’ve taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours. Be sure to finish your entire course of antibiotics, though (unless your doctor tells you otherwise).
In addition to antibiotics, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help with your symptoms.
If you receive antibiotic treatment for your strep throat, your illness may only last for one to three days.
If left untreated, recovery will take longer, and your risk for developing complications will increase. Additionally, without treatment, you can still be contagious for several weeks, even after you stop feeling sick.
Follow these tips to help prevent the spread of strep throat:
•Clean your hands properly and regularly. Be sure to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and warm water.
•Clean surfaces in your house if you, or someone in your house, has strep throat. Bacteria can survive for short periods of time on household items, such as doorknobs and tabletops.
•If you live with or care for someone with strep throat, be sure to wash your hands frequently. Also avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth.
•Avoid contact with anyone who has strep throat until they’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
•Don’t share food, drinks, or eating utensils with others. Additionally, avoid sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes.
People also ask
Can a group A streptococcus infection cause strep throat?
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Nov 30, 2022 · Overview. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throats. If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever.
Highly contagious, strep throat is spread through airborne droplets (sneezing, coughing, sharing food, drink or utensils). Children can also get infected by touching surfaces that carry the bacteria and then touching their nose, mouth or eyes.
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Feb 21, 2017 · Strep throat is a contagious illness transmitted typically through airborne respiratory droplets. Therefore, individuals close to one another, such as in schools, daycare centers, and family households, often share the infection. 1,2. Causes.
Mar 1, 2024 · These infections range from minor to serious. Group A strep bacteria can also cause inflammatory diseases. Group A strep bacteria are contagious. Generally, people spread the bacteria to others through respiratory droplets or direct contact.
Allergies, breathing dry or polluted air, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) and other conditions also can cause sore throat. Is strep throat contagious? Yes, strep throat is contagious.
