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Mar 30, 2023 · Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a sore throat, fever, and red tonsils. It can be treated with antibiotics, but it's not a virus or a cold. Learn the symptoms of strep throat, how to tell it from other causes, and how to prevent it from spreading.
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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
Learn the symptoms of strep throat and how to get tested and treated. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, pain when swallowing, red tonsils and swollen neck glands, while sore throat is usually caused by a virus.
Jan 19, 2024 · Learn how to recognize the signs of strep throat, a bacterial infection that causes sore throat, fever, and pain when swallowing. Find out how to prevent spreading the bacteria, when to see a healthcare provider, and how to take antibiotics.
Dec 20, 2022 · Symptoms of strep throat include a severe sore throat and fever or chills. What are the symptoms of strep throat? Early strep throat symptoms include a sore throat that starts suddenly. In addition, you may develop a fever very quickly, with your highest temperature on the second day of infection. Other signs of strep throat may include: Chills.
Feb 6, 2023 · Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. It can be treated with antibiotics and home remedies. Learn how to recognize the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, prevention, and outlook of strep throat.
What You Need to Know. Strep throat is common, especially among children ages 5 to 15. Strep throat symptoms include sore throat, swollen glands and fever. It is diagnosed with a throat swab test. Once it is confirmed, strep throat can be treated with antibiotics to ease symptoms, control spread and prevent complications. What You Need to Know.
