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What are the signs and symptoms of strep throat?
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What does a strep throat rash feel like?
Feb 15, 2023 · Strep Throat Prevention. The best way to avoid strep is to stay away from anyone who looks or sounds sick. Signs of strep throat can include: A sore throat; Swollen glands;...
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- It's an infection of your throat and sometimes tonsils. "Strep" is short for "group A streptococcus," the type of bacteria that causes it. Your throat may get sore and scratchy.
- Strep bacteria spreads easily from person to person. You can get it if you: Breathe in tiny droplets from a sick person's cough or sneeze. Get droplets on your hands and then touch your mouth or nose.
- Besides a sore throat that starts quickly, you can have pain when you swallow, a fever, red and swollen tonsils that sometimes have white patches or streaks of pus, red spots on the roof of your mouth, and swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck.
- To find out if you have strep, your doctor will swab the back of your throat to get some mucus. A technician will try to grow, or "culture," any bacteria that might be there.
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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
Dec 20, 2022 · 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. Headache. Loss of appetite. Abdominal pain. Nausea and vomiting.
Jan 19, 2024 · Symptoms often include pain and fever. Some people are at increased risk. A simple test gives fast results. What to do if you've tested positive. What to do if you've tested negative. Antibiotics are used for treatment. Serious complications are not common. Protect yourself and others. Bacteria cause strep throat. Viruses cause most sore throats.
Feb 6, 2023 · The common symptoms of strep throat include: a sudden fever, especially if it’s 101˚F (38˚C) or higher.
