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Aug 29, 2022 · Written by Paul Frysh. What Is Strep Throat? 1 /10. It's an infection of your throat and sometimes tonsils. "Strep" is short for "group A streptococcus," the type of bacteria that causes it....
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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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Mar 29, 2022 · The tell-tale symptoms of strep throat—a painful sore throat, swollen glands, and fever—are caused by an infection by Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A strep or as group A Streptococcus.
Jul 7, 2023 · Health & Safety. 15 Strep Throat Symptoms in Kids. Kids get sore throats for many reasons, like the common cold or allergies. But it could also be strep. Learn about strep throat causes,...
- Sarah Cottrell
Strep throat in babies . Infants tend to exhibit: A low-grade fever; Fussiness ; Poor appetite . Strep throat in toddlers. Toddlers with strep throat may have symptoms like: A moderate fever; Prolonged runny nose, fussiness and poor appetite; Stomach pain ; Vomiting; Swollen neck glands. Strep throat in kids over 3
Mar 23, 2023 · Look for these signs of strep throat: Rapid onset of severe sore throat; Painful swallowing; Fever; Swollen, enlarged lymph nodes in your neck; Tiny red spots back of the throat, the roof of your mouth; Red, swollen tonsils may have white patches or pus; Test for strep throat. The only way to be sure of a strep throat diagnosis is to get tested.
