Strep throat or strep is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by the group A streptococcus bacteria. This bacterial infection mainly affects children and teens but is also seen in adults. Strep is not the most common cause of a sore throat. 

It is essential to consult a doctor at the first sign of strep throat to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation. 

strep

Strep Symptoms

A child complaining of a sore throat may have strep, especially if the child has no runny nose. A sore throat caused by strep comes on quickly, and several other strep symptoms will follow, including: 

  • Inflamed, swollen tonsils
  • Pain when swallowing 
  • High fever
  • Chills 
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Red spots on the roof of the mouth and white patches in the throat
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Headache

Strep Causes

Strep is common in children between the ages of 5 and 15. Because the infection spreads via saliva droplets and fluid from the nose, it usually affects an entire household. Strep bacteria can also spread when people share food and drinks.

People with suppressed immune systems and those receiving cancer treatment should consult a doctor immediately if they believe they have strep.

Diagnosing Strep  

Swab tests can determine whether strep bacteria or a virus is to blame for a sore throat. Swabs are necessary for a rapid strep test, which detects group A strep bacteria. The test provides fast results, usually within 10 minutes. 

However, rapid stress tests are known to give false-negative results, so a doctor may order a throat culture to make a diagnosis. The results of a throat culture test may take up to 48 hours to become available. 

strep throat

Strep Treatment

If a strep diagnosis is confirmed, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria or stop it from growing in the throat. A course of antibiotics typically lasts for ten days. Patients must take all the medicine to clear the infection. Antibiotics are also effective in preventing bacteria from spreading to others. 

Patients who are allergic to penicillin may receive antibiotics containing clindamycin or clarithromycin.

Strep often doesn’t cause symptoms, so the infected person may not need antibiotics or further strep treatment. 

While the antibiotics fight the infection, it may be helpful for adults to consume warm liquids and children to eat ice cream or popsicles to help relieve throat pain. Over-the-counter medicines may help with pain and fever, but children should never consume aspirin. 

Preventing Strep

Washing hands regularly, not touching the face, and not sharing personal items are the best ways to prevent strep. When a person is diagnosed with strep, they can prevent the spread of the bacteria by disposing of tissues immediately, washing their hands, and staying at home for 24 hours after starting a course of antibiotics.

Visit Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care for Strep Treatment

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care is the only health system in Hamilton County offering ER and urgent care services under one roof. Unlike most ER or urgent care centers, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The urgent care center is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No appointments are not necessary for in-person visits; however, pre-registration is available.

Riverview Health Emergency Room Urgent Care has five convenient locations: