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Pictures To Distinguish Strep Throat From A Sore Throat. Cold, Flu, & Cough. Slideshows. Slideshow: Anatomy of a Sore Throat. Medically Reviewed by Gabriela Pichardo, MD on November 19,...
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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
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Pictures and symptoms. How to recognize strep throat. Symptoms. Pictures. Strep throat vs. sore throat. Treatment. Causes. When to see a doctor. Complications. Summary. Symptoms of...
Jan 19, 2024 · 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 and prevent spreading the bacteria to others. On This Page. Bacteria cause strep throat. How you get strep throat. Symptoms often include pain and fever.
Dec 20, 2022 · Strep throat is an infection in your throat and tonsils (the lymph nodes in the back of your mouth). With strep throat, your tonsils become very inflamed. This inflammation typically affects the surrounding area of your throat as well, which causes a sore throat (pharyngitis).
Feb 6, 2023 · Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and potential complications.
