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Signs and symptoms of strep throat can include: 1. Throat pain that usually comes on quickly 2. Painful swallowing 3. Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus 4. Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate) 5. Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck 6. Fever 7. Headache 8. Rash 9. Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children 10. Body achesIt's possible for you or your child to have many of these signs and symptoms...

The cause of strep throat is bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus.Streptococcal bacteria are highly contagious. They can spread through airborne 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: 1. Young age. Strep throat occurs most commonly in children. 2. Time of year. Although strep throat can occur anytime, it tends to circulate in winter and early spring. Strep bacteria flourish wherever groups of people are in close contact.

Although strep throat isn't dangerous, it can lead to serious complications. Antibiotic treatment reduces the risk.

To prevent strep infection: 1. Clean your hands. Proper hand cleaning is the best way to prevent all kinds of infections. That's why it's important to clean your own hands regularly and to teach your children how to clean their hands properly using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 2. Cover your mouth. Teach your children to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze. 3. Don't share personal items. Don't share drinking glasses or eating utensils. Wash dishes in hot, soapy w...