Primary Care | Preventive Care

Strep Throat



Doctor performing throat exam of a man

Key Facts of Strep Throat

  • Strep throat is more common in children (5 to 15 years old) than adults.
  • Up to 3 in 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat3
  • About 1 in 10 adults with a sore throat has strep throat3
  • Causes an estimated 5.2 million outpatient visits and 2.8 million antibiotic prescriptions annually among US persons aged 0–64 years1
  •  Severe group A strep infections cause 1,100 to 1,600 deaths annually
  • Like other infectious illnesses, rates of strep throat infections dropped significantly in 2020, coinciding with COVID-19 pandemic precautions. Rates remained low throughout 2020 and 2021.2
  • Similar to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, strep infections started to increase in September 2022. Strep throat then increased to the greatest rate of infection seen since 2017 in February 2023.2
  • The number of strep throat cases start increasing each year in September and reaches its peak in February.

Overview

  • What is strep throat?
What is strep throat?

Strep throat, also known as Streptococcal pharyngitis, is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and tonsils. It is caused by the Group A Streptococcus bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes).

  • It’s just a sore throat. How bad can it be?
It’s just a sore throat. How bad can it be?

If untreated, strep can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.

  • Who typically gets strep throat?
Who typically gets strep throat?

Strep throat is a common condition, especially among children and adolescents, and it can occur at any time of the year. It is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person.

If you or your child has signs or symptoms of strep throat, see your doctor for prompt testing and treatment.

  • How do you get strep?
How do you get strep?

Group A strep bacteria are very contagious. Generally, people spread the bacteria to others through

  • Respiratory droplets – People who are infected spread the bacteria by talking, coughing, or sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria.
  • Direct contact – People can also spread group A strep bacteria from infected sores on their skin

Symptoms

  • What if I have strep throat?
What if I have strep throat?

People with strep throat can commonly experience symptoms including:

  • Sore Throat: A severe, often sudden onset of a painful, scratchy, and swollen throat.
  • Difficulty Swallowing: Swallowing may be painful and uncomfortable.
  • Fever: A high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C) is common in strep throat.
  • Red Tonsils: The tonsils may appear red and swollen, with white or yellow patches or streaks of pus.
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes: The lymph nodes in the neck may become tender and enlarged.
  • Headache: Some people with strep throat experience headaches.
  • Rash: In some cases, a fine, red rash called scarlet fever can develop, which often feels like sandpaper.

At Emed Multispecialty Group, our staff will provide treatment for common family illnesses and injuries, conduct physicals and wellness screenings, and offer to monitor chronic conditions. Our physicians will diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common illnesses such as strep throat, and other infections, whether for ears, nose, or throat.

Treatment

  • How can I know if it’s strep or a viral sore throat?
How can I know if it’s strep or a viral sore throat?

You should see your physician for a physical exam, so they can look for signs and symptoms of strep throat, and typically order a rapid test or throat culture.

It’s important to note that many of these symptoms are similar to those of viral throat infections, so a medical diagnosis from Emed Multispecialty Group is necessary to confirm strep throat. Emed conducts all its lab work in-house to help speed up the diagnosis for you.

  • Is a rapid test or throat culture painful?
Is a rapid test or throat culture painful?

No, the test are not painful. However, the throat culture may cause slight gagging.

  • Rapid antigen test. A rapid antigen test for strep throat, also known as a rapid strep test, is a diagnostic test used to quickly determine if a person’s sore throat is caused by a Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) bacterial infection If the test is negative but your doctor still suspects strep, he or she might do a throat culture.
  • Throat culture. A sterile swab is rubbed over the back of the throat and tonsils to get a sample of the secretions. It’s not painful, but it may cause gagging. The sample is then cultured in a laboratory for the presence of bacteria, but results can take as long as two days
  • Can I do the test myself?
Can I do the test myself?

Yes, you can purchase a rapid test from over the counter, either from your local pharmacy or online. There are several things to consider when doing so.

  • The at-home rapid test are not approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for use at home, even if the box says “FDA approved” or “FDA cleared”.
  • While an at-home rapid strep test will give you results in minutes, you’ll need to contact a healthcare provider for a diagnosis of the infection in order to be prescribed for antibiotics.
  • False-negative results, in which strep throat is present but the test shows it is not, can occur. If the test is negative, you should still consult a healthcare provider to confirm the result or to find out what is causing the symptoms.
  • Is there anything that can cure strep?
Is there anything that can cure strep?

Strep throat is typically treated with antibiotics. Common antibiotics used include penicillin or amoxicillin. These medications help to kill the bacteria and reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before finishing the prescription. This prevents the bacteria from becoming resistant to the antibiotics.

  • How about over-the-counter (OTC) medication?
How about over-the-counter (OTC) medication?

Strep throat is typically treated with antibiotics. Common antibiotics used include penicillin or amoxicillin. These medications help to kill the bacteria and reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before finishing the prescription. This prevents the bacteria from becoming resistant to the antibiotics.

  • Are there any other ways to relieve the symptoms of strep?
Are there any other ways to relieve the symptoms of strep?
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your sore throat lubricated to make it easier to swallow.
  • Gargle with 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) of table salt in 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of warm water.
  • A small teaspoon of honey can soothe a sore throat. Avoid giving honey to children under 12 months of age.
  • Get plenty of rest because sleep helps your body to fight infection.
  • Don’t irritate the symptoms by smoking cigarettes, and avoid other irritants such as paint or cleaning products

Prevention

  • What can I do to effectively prevent the infection?
What can I do to effectively prevent the infection?

Preventing the spread of strep throat involves several measures:

  • Good Hygiene: Encourage proper handwashing, especially after sneezing or coughing, and avoid touching the face, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover Your Mouth and Nose: Teach people to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, ideally with a tissue or the inside of their elbow.
  • Avoid Close Contact: People with strep throat should avoid close contact with others until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and are no longer contagious.
  • Disinfecting Surfaces: Frequently clean and disinfect common surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs and light switches.
  • Stay Home When Sick: If you or your child has strep throat, stay home from school or work until you’re no longer contagious.

It’s important to note that strep throat is different from a viral sore throat, and antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. A healthcare professional can determine whether an infection is bacterial or viral through a throat swab or other diagnostic tests. If you suspect strep throat, it’s important to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.


References

  1.  Lewnard JA, King LM, Fleming-Dutra KE, Link-Gelles R, Van Beneden CA. Incidence of pharyngitis, sinusitis, acute otitis media, and outpatient antibiotic prescribing preventable by vaccination against group A Streptococcus in the United States. Clin Infect Dis. 2021;73(1):e47–e58.
  2. https://epicresearch.org/articles/strep-throat-infections-up-30-from-2017-peak-after-pandemic-drop
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html

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