What is strep throat?

Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils that is caused by bacteria in the streptococcal family. There are many different kinds of strep bacteria. Some types cause more serious illness than others. Those that are in the Group-A strep family are the ones that usually cause strep throat and the ones that should be treated with an antibiotic.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

Symptoms include a sudden, severe sore throat; pain when you swallow; a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit; swollen tonsils and lymph nodes (sides of neck); white or yellow spots on the back of a bright red throat; headache; and loss of appetite.

How do I get strep throat?

When a person who has strep throat breathes, coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets with the strep bacteria enter the air. These droplets can be breathed in by other people or spread by sharing drinks, toothbrushes or kisses with infected people. If you come into contact with strep, it usually takes 2 to 5 days before you start to have symptoms.

Are all painful sore throats caused by strep bacteria?

No, they are not.  Most cases of sore throats are caused by a viral infection, not by bacteria.  A sore throat caused by a virus can be just as painful as strep throat.  But if you also have cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or a runny/stuffy nose, chances are good that it is probably a viral infection and not strep throat.

How is strep throat diagnosed?

Strep throat is diagnosed through a physical exam, history of your symptoms, and a rapid strep test that is done in the office. Sometimes another test, called a throat culture, is also needed if the rapid strep test comes out negative but your symptoms suggest that you do have strep throat. Throat cultures are much more accurate than rapid strep tests, although they take a few days to produce results.

How do you prevent strep throat?

Avoid contact with anyone who has a strep infection or appears to be ill. Wash your hands often.  Don’t drink from the same glass or use the same eating utensils. Don’t kiss people who have cold symptoms. If you have strep throat, it is a good idea to stay home until 24 hours after you have started an antibiotic.

How is it treated?

Strep throat is treated with an antibiotic because it is caused by bacteria. Antibiotics lower the risk of the infection spreading throughout your body and shorten the time you are able to spread the infection to others people. Most people are no longer contagious after 24 hours of starting an antibiotic. If you don’t take an antibiotic, you may still be contagious for 2 to 3 weeks, even if your symptoms go away. You may also be advised to take Tylenol or ibuprofen to help with pain and lower your fever. If you think you may have strep throat, please call Student Health Services at 860-768-6601 to make an appointment to be seen today.