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May 16, 2024 · You can get strep throat if you: Breathe in the air with droplets filled with bacteria; Touch something these droplets land on, such as a doorknob or table, and then rub your eyes, nose,...
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Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a sore...
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You can get strep throat at any time of year, but it's most...
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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.
Strep throat is an infection in your throat and tonsils caused by a type of bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep). Strep throat causes severe inflammation and a sore throat. A healthcare provider can typically diagnose the condition with a rapid strep test or a throat culture.
Jan 29, 2024 · The bacteria that causes strep throat is very contagious. Learn the symptoms, helpful recovery tips, and how to protect yourself and your family from strep throat.
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.
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Nov 20, 2023 · Learn how strep throat is caused by a type of bacteria and how it can be spread through respiratory droplets and secretions. Find out how to diagnose, treat, and prevent this contagious infection with antibiotics and home remedies.
Mar 1, 2024 · Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils. Healthcare providers can do a quick test to see if a sore throat is strep throat. Antibiotics can help people with strep throat feel better faster.
