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- Yes. Strep throat is very contagious. Some people with the infection don’t have symptoms or look sick. But even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still easily spread the infection to others. However, people who exhibit symptoms or appear sick are more contagious than people who don’t have symptoms.
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2 days ago · Important note: People can get strep throat even if their tonsils have been removed! How Contagious Is Strep? Strep throat is extremely contagious and can be spread through respiratory droplets in the air when someone talks, coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by sharing utensils and by direct contact with bodily fluids.
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- 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.
Jan 29, 2024 · The bacteria that causes strep throat is very contagious. It's typically spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact. The bacteria can spread via respiratory droplets when people talk, cough or sneeze. The droplets are then put into the air.
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.
Nov 30, 2022 · 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.
Is strep throat contagious? Yes. Strep throat is very contagious. Some people with the infection don’t have symptoms or look sick. But even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still easily spread the infection to others. However, people who exhibit symptoms or appear sick are more contagious than people who don’t have symptoms.
May 16, 2024 · Hoarse voice. Pinkeye (also called conjunctivitis) Strep throat typically appears as pus or inflammation at the back of your throat. While you can usually treat sore throats caused by...
