Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes), which can lead to inflammation and swelling of the throat and tonsils.
This type of bacterial pathogen can also cause skin infections like impetigo and cellulitis.
While strep throat is more common in the winter and early spring, it can occur at any time during the year. Additionally, Dr Moinuddin, Consultant - Internal Medicine, CARE Hospitals, Musheerabad, says that it primarily affects children but can occur at any age.
Also Read: Understanding Sore Throats: Expert Insights on Chronic Symptoms, Causes, and Care
A Look At The Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of strep throat include:
- Sore throat, pain, and difficulty swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Fever is often 101°F (38.3°C) or higher.
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck
- Headache
- Rash, sometimes a fine, red rash (scarlet fever)
- Body aches
- Nausea or vomiting, more common in children
How Contagious Is Strep Throat And For How Long?
Strep throat is highly contagious, says Dr Moinuddin.
He adds that it spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the bacteria and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Therefore, close contact with an infected person can significantly increase the risk of transmission.
According to a 2022 study published in eClinical Medicine, strep A sore throat affects an estimated 28.86 crore children aged 5–14 each year, worldwide.
As far as the contagion period is concerned, a person with strep throat can remain contagious for:
Without treatment: 2-3 weeks, even if they no longer have symptoms.
With treatment: Typically, 24 hours after starting antibiotic therapy, the person is no longer considered contagious.
How To Treat And Manage The Condition
According to the Mayo Clinic, if left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. The latter can further cause painful joint problems and inflammation, rash, or heart valve damage.
Dr Moinuddin shares the primary treatment for strep throat, which is antibiotics. It helps reduce the duration of symptoms, prevents complications, and reduces the contagion period of the condition.
Also Read: Viral Versus Bacterial Infection: Why You Need To Know The Difference
Commonly prescribed antibiotics include:
- Penicillin or amoxicillin are most commonly used.
- Erythromycin or azithromycin are used for those allergic to penicillin.
However, it is crucial to consult your doctor before receiving an antibiotic treatment. Unmonitored and inappropriate antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance, which occurs when the bacteria becomes resistant to or does not respond to a particular antibiotic.
The 2022 Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) report reveals high antibiotic resistance worldwide. E. coli shows resistance in 42% of cases to a key antibiotic, and 35% of Staphylococcus aureus resist a common treatment, which makes treating common infections like urinary tract infections increasingly difficult.
Here are some additional tips to alleviate strep throat symptoms:
- Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain and fever
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting ample rest will help the body fight the infection.
- Gargling with warm salt water
- Throat lozenges or sprays to reduce pain
Dr Moinuddin highlights the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the bacteria are fully eradicated and to prevent complications.
He says, “If symptoms do not improve within 48 hours of starting antibiotics, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider.”