Streptococcal (strep) bacteria is the cause of strep throat infection. The infection spreads person to person by droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It takes two to five days after becoming infected for symptoms to develop. Strep throat is most contagious while symptoms are present. Only a laboratory test can diagnose strep throat.
A sore throat accompanied by fever is caused by a virus about 90 to 95 percent of the time in adults. Without treatment viral infections usually subside within three to ten days after onset. Strep throat is more significant because of the increased incidence of complications if untreated.
Prevention:
Avoid contact with people you know are sick.
Wash your hands often, using soap and warm water, especially when you are around people with colds.
Keep your body’s immune system strong by eating a balanced diet, getting six to eight hours of sleep per night, and get 30 minutes of daily exercise.
Manage your stress level. Be proactive!
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. It irritates the throat and air passages creating an area waiting for an infection to begin.
Symptoms:
Sore throat that starts suddenly, without a runny nose, cough, or congestion.
Fever with a temperature of 101 to 104 degrees
White patches on the tonsils.
“Fiery” red throat, painful swallowing.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
May also experience headache, loss of appetite, fatigue.
Treatment:
Penicillin is the usual treatment for strep bacteria. Take all of the prescribed medication. The strep throat infection can continue to be contagious for up to 48 hours after starting the antibiotic.
Get lots of rest, especially when fever is present.
Use warm salt water gargles and throat lozenges to reduce pain and inflammation.
Take over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for pain and fever. (Children and teens should not take aspirin, as it increases the risk of a serious disorder called Reye’s syndrome.)
Drink plenty of caffeine free liquids.
Iced drinks or milk shakes, as well as a soft foods diet, may also help to relieve discomfort.
Sheera LaBelle can be contacted at [email protected]
Sources:
www.uomaha.edu
www.familydoctor.org
www.discoveryhealth.com