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By Kia McCarthy, NP
Department of Pediatrics
We’ve all experienced the feeling of a sore throat when we are sick with viruses, including the flu, colds, or COVID-19. However, sometimes a sore throat isn’t caused by a virus. A bacterial infection from germs affecting the throat and tonsils known as strep throat can result in very similar symptoms. Strep throat is caused by the group A Streptococcus bacteria and requires treatment by a medical practitioner.
One way to tell whether a sore throat is due to a virus or strep throat is by the presence of a cough and runny nose. Strep throat will not cause a cough or a runny nose while cold and flu viruses usually do. The symptoms of strep throat also typically come on faster than cold and flu symptoms.
Strep throat is more common in children than adults, often striking those five through 15 years of age. It usually takes 2 to 5 days after exposure to become ill with strep throat. Strep throat is very contagious, and even those without any symptoms can still spread it to others.
The most common symptoms of strep throat include:
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red and swollen tonsils
- A sore throat that started very quickly and may look red
- Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae
- White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils
Less common symptoms, especially for children, may include headache, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain and a red rash.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Strep Throat
If you have strep throat, a medical practitioner can quickly confirm it by testing for the Strep A bacteria with a swab. Once your clinician is sure you have strep throat you will be given a prescription for antibiotics to treat it.
Most people will feel better in about five to seven days after starting antibiotics. It’s important to finish all of the medication according to the instructions so that the infection can be cleared – even if you feel better after only a few days of taking the medicine. If you don’t get treated for strep throat, you’ll be more likely to spread it to others.
While strep throat is usually spread through the air by an infected person, the bacteria can also live for a short time on surfaces. This is why washing your hands often can prevent infection. Anyone who has strep throat should stay home from work or school in order to rest and protect others. You can return to your normal activities after your symptoms go away.
If you suspect that you or a family member have strep throat, it’s important to see a medical provider as soon as you can so you can start to feel better!
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About Kia McCarthy, NP
A graduate of Connecticut College and Simmons College, Kia started her career as a nurse in 2004. “I have nurses in my family and have been very lucky to work with extremely dedicated and talented nurse practitioners during my career,” she explains. “When the opportunity presented itself to expand my knowledge as a nurse practitioner to provide more comprehensive care, I decided to jump right in.”
For Kia, there is no more...
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