Strep Throat
Strep throat is a common affliction among schoolchildren, but anyone can get it. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. The group A Streptococcus bacteria is the main cause of strep throat. If left untreated, it can cause severe complications.
Strep Throat Symptoms
Strep throat symptoms come on suddenly. They include:
- Headache or body aches
- High fever
- Pain when swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils: The tonsils may have white patches or streaks.
- Sudden and severe throat pain
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Strep Throat Causes
Strep throat is caused by a bacteria called group A Streptococcus. It is highly contagious and spreads through droplets when people sneeze or cough. It can also be transmitted when people share food and drinks or touch a contaminated surface.
Diagnosing Strep Throat
Doctors typically examine the throat and neck when diagnosing strep throat. If they suspect strep throat, they will do a rapid antigen detection test or take a throat culture. Rapid tests usually provide results within minutes, while cultures may take days. If the test comes back positive, the patient has group A strep.
Treating Strep Throat
The recommended treatment for strep throat is a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. It may also help prevent complications and minimize the risk of spreading the infection. Patients must complete the antibiotics course to ensure the bacteria is eliminated. During the healing process, mild painkillers can help alleviate throat pain.
Preventing Strep Throat
Prevention methods for strep throat include:
- Avoiding those who are sick
- Covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
- Not sharing food, drinks, or personal items
- Regular hand washing with soap and lukewarm water
Visit UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Care for Strep Throat Treatment
UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Care is here to meet your medical care needs by providing affordable pricing and quality care. As part of Intuitive Health’s innovative hybrid model ER and urgent care system, patients are only billed for the level of care they receive from professional and highly trained medical staff.
Our Emergency & Urgent Care Centers are open 24/7 to treat strep throat.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/understanding-strep-throat-basics
https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/about/strep-throat.html
