Two different germs cause sore throats – viruses and bacteria. When a sore throat comes on fast, it may be caused by the bacteria streptococci (strep-tuh-kaak-sai), or strep. Strep throat is most common in school-age children, but anyone can get it.
SymptomsA child with strep throat may any of these symptoms:
When a child has a cough, hoarseness, red eyes and runny nose, it may be due to a virus, the flu or a different illness rather than strep. DiagnosisThe doctor or health care provider will examine your child, ask about signs and symptoms, and test for strep.
Treatment with Antibiotics
How to Care For Your ChildThere are things you can do to help your child feel better.
How to Protect Others
When to Call the Doctor or Health Care ProviderCall your child’s doctor or health care provider if they have started taking antibiotics and they:
Strep Throat - Bacterial (PDF) HH-I-122 11/89, Revised 5/22 Copyright 1989, Nationwide Children’s Hospital You Might Also Be Interested In
How long is someone contagious with strep throat?When you get infected, you typically start to show symptoms about 2 to 5 days after you were exposed to the bacteria. You can stay contagious for up to a month if you don't get treated. Antibiotics can prevent the infection from spreading. People who take antibiotics stop being contagious after about 24 hours.
How is strep throat most commonly transmitted?Transmission. Group A strep pharyngitis is most commonly spread through direct person-to-person transmission. Typically, transmission occurs through respiratory droplets but can also occur through contact with secretions, such as saliva, wound discharge, or nasal secretions, from an infected person.
How can you avoid getting strep throat?To prevent strep infection:. Wash your hands. Proper hand-washing is the best way to prevent all kinds of infections. ... . 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.. Can you give someone strep throat by kissing?You can pass strep throat to others until you've been taking antibiotics for 1 to 3 days. If you have strep throat, stay home until your fever is gone and you've been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours. Avoid kissing people or sharing eating utensils when you have strep throat.
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