Understanding Strep Throat: Symptoms, Treatment, and What You Need to Know
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and tonsils, causing pain, swelling, and irritation. Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, also known as group A streptococcus, strep throat can spread easily, especially among children and in close-contact environments like schools and workplaces. Here’s a comprehensive look at what strep throat is, how it’s transmitted, and what short-term and long-term effects it can have on your health.
What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by the group A streptococcus bacteria. This bacterial infection can cause sore throat, red and swollen tonsils, fever, and difficulty swallowing. The pain in the throat is often severe, with some people experiencing white patches on the tonsils, swollen lymph nodes, and headaches. Strep throat can sometimes be mistaken for a viral sore throat, but it’s important to distinguish between the two because strep throat requires specific antibiotic treatment.
How is Strep Throat Spread?
Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread through shared items like utensils or surfaces if touched and then introduced to the mouth or nose. People are often contagious even before symptoms appear, which makes preventing the spread challenging.
Contagion Period and Short-Term Effects
Once infected, a person is contagious roughly two to five days before symptoms appear and can continue to spread the bacteria until 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. During the contagious period, symptoms like sore throat, fever, body aches, and fatigue are common. In children, strep throat may also lead to vomiting or stomach pain, but symptoms generally begin to improve within a few days after starting antibiotics.
Long-Term Effects of Strep Throat
If strep throat is diagnosed and treated promptly, most people recover fully without complications. However, if left untreated, strep throat can lead to more severe health issues, including rheumatic fever, which can cause permanent damage to the heart and joints. Untreated strep throat can also lead to a condition called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, an inflammatory kidney disease. These long-term effects are rare but underscore the importance of seeking treatment.
How Does Strep Throat Affect Different Age Groups?
Strep throat is most common in children between 5 and 15 years old, but adults can get it too, especially those frequently exposed to children. Younger children may experience more severe symptoms, such as high fever and stomach upset, while adults may experience more classic sore throat symptoms. Older adults are less likely to get strep throat but may face more complications if the infection occurs.
Treatment and Prevention
Strep throat is typically treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin or amoxicillin, which can relieve symptoms quickly and reduce the duration of contagiousness. It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve, as this ensures the infection is entirely eradicated and reduces the risk of complications. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage symptoms.
Can Strep Throat Lead to Other Infections?
If untreated, strep throat can lead to secondary infections like sinusitis, ear infections, or abscesses around the tonsils (peritonsillar abscess). These complications can be serious and require additional medical treatment, which is why early diagnosis and antibiotics are essential.
Strep throat is a common yet serious bacterial infection that spreads easily and can lead to severe complications if not treated. While children are most frequently affected, adults are also susceptible, especially in high-contact settings. By recognizing symptoms early and seeking prompt treatment, you can prevent the spread and reduce the risk of long-term health effects.
The contents of this article have been reviewed by Katie Worthington, MSN, RN, FNP-C with Shore Physicians Group. Katie Worthington treats patients at Shore Physicians Group’s Margate office. To schedule an appointment with Katie, call 609.822.4800.
