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Jan 30, 2023 · Learn the symptoms of strep throat and how to distinguish it from a sore throat caused by a virus. Find out when to see a doctor and how to treat strep throat with antibiotics or home remedies.
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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
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes sore throat, fever, swollen tonsils and more. Learn how to recognize the signs, when to see a doctor, and how to prevent and treat strep throat.
Apr 17, 2024 · Learn how to recognize the common signs of strep throat, such as fever, sore throat, and swollen tonsils. Find out how to prevent and treat this bacterial infection and when to see a doctor.
- Kim Painter
May 16, 2024 · Learn how to recognize the signs of strep throat, a bacterial infection that causes sore throat, fever, swollen tonsils, and more. Find out how to prevent, treat, and test for strep throat with WebMD.
Learn about strep throat, a bacterial infection that causes severe sore throat and fever. Find out how to diagnose, treat and prevent it with antibiotics and other tips.
Feb 6, 2023 · Learn about the common symptoms of strep throat, a contagious bacterial infection that causes sore, swollen throat and fever. Find out how to prevent, diagnose, and treat strep throat with antibiotics and home remedies.
3 days ago · The No. 1 way to treat strep throat is with antibiotics, usually penicillin or amoxicillin. Follow the prescribed antibiotic course. If the antibiotic is prescribed for 10 days, take the antibiotic for 10 days, even if symptoms improve sooner. Don’t skip doses.
