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May 16, 2024 · Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils that can be contagious. Learn how to prevent, diagnose, and treat it with antibiotics and home remedies.
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Signs and symptoms of strep throat can include:
•Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
•Painful swallowing
•Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
•Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)
•Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
Call your doctor if you or your child has any of these signs and symptoms:
•A sore throat accompanied by tender, swollen lymph glands
•A sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours
•A fever
•A sore throat accompanied by a rash
•Problems breathing or swallowing
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Strep throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus.
Streptococcal bacteria are contagious. They can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks. You can also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose, mouth or eyes.
Several factors can increase your risk of strep throat infection:
•Young age. Strep throat occurs most commonly in children.
Spread of infection
Strep bacteria may spread, causing infection in:
Inflammatory reactions
Strep infection may lead to inflammatory illnesses, including:
To prevent strep infection:
•Wash your hands. Proper hand-washing is the best way to prevent all kinds of infections. That's why it's important to wash your own hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Teach your children how to wash their hands properly using soap and water or to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if there is no soap and water available.
•Cover your mouth. Teach your children to cover their mouths with an elbow or tissue when they cough or sneeze.
•Don't share personal items. Don't share drinking glasses or eating utensils. Wash dishes in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.
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By Mayo Clinic Staff
•Know the signs of strep throat in children
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause sore throat, fever, rash and other symptoms. Learn how to prevent strep throat by washing hands, covering coughs and avoiding sharing items.
Feb 6, 2023 · Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. Learn how to prevent, diagnose, and treat strep throat with antibiotics and home remedies.
- Valencia Higuera
Nov 30, 2022 · Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes sore throat, fever, swollen tonsils and sometimes rash. Learn how to diagnose it with rapid antigen test, throat culture or PCR test, and how to treat it with antibiotics and self-care tips.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes sore throat, fever and swollen glands. It is contagious and can be treated with antibiotics. Learn how to prevent, recognize and treat strep throat from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Nov 20, 2023 · Learn how strep throat is caused by a type of bacteria that spreads through respiratory droplets and secretions. Find out how to prevent, diagnose, and treat this contagious infection with antibiotics and home remedies.
