Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus, causes strep throat, an infection of the throat and tonsils. Bacteria like this live in the nose and throat. It is possible to contract the infection from someone who is sick with strep A bacteria or who is carrying it.

The spread of strep throat is similar to that of other infections. The bacteria in the air is spread through coughing or sneezing by sick people.

By touching something that has been coughed or sneezed upon by someone with strep, and then brushing your eyes, mouth, or nose with your hand, you can infect yourself. Additionally, you can get sick if you share a glass or other personal item with someone who has strep throat.

The most common cause of strep throat is childhood and adolescence. It sometimes affects adults as well.

Keep your distance from someone who has a sore, scratchy throat. There is a possibility that it is strep throat. It is easy for strep bacteria to spread from person to person through close contact. Stay away from people with strep throat by learning how to spot them. Take good care of yourself and the children in your care by practicing good hygiene.

People with strep throat spread the disease through coughing and sneezing. The air is filled with droplets filled with bacteria. Also, you can get strep when you rub your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching something these droplets land on. It is possible to contract strep by sharing personal items with someone who is sick, such as a fork, spoon, glass, or toothbrush. Getting strep from kissing someone with it is also possible.

After being exposed to the bacteria, you typically begin to show symptoms 2 to 5 days after getting infected. If you don’t get treated, you can remain contagious for up to a month. Infections can be prevented from spreading with antibiotics. Antibiotics stop people from being contagious after 24 hours. In the late fall and early spring, when children are in school, strep throat is more likely to spread. Streptococcal infections are most common among children between the ages of 5 and 15. It is also contagious among adults. Those with a weakened immune system are more likely to contract strep throat.

Strep throat is generally a mild infection, but it can be fairly painful. Sore throats, fevers, and swallowing pains are the most common symptoms of strep throat. Additionally, there can be swollen lymph nodes at the front of the neck, large, red spots on the roof of the mouth called petechiae, as well as red and swollen tonsils. Children may also experience headaches, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. There may also be a rash associated with strep throat, known as scarlet fever.

One type of sore throat that can be treated is strep throat, which is caused by bacteria. Your doctor will probably do a “rapid strep test” to make sure it’s strep rather than a cold or another virus-induced sore throat.

The group A Streptococcus bacteria that causes strep throat can be killed by antibiotics. The only thing they will work on is bacteria. Sore throats caused by viruses are not affected by them. To treat strep throat, doctors usually prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin (Amoxil). These antibiotics are the best choices due to their safety, affordability, and effectiveness against strep bacteria. Antibiotics are also effective at stopping the further transmission of strep throat, and patients should cease to be contagious shortly after beginning treatment.

Strep throat testing is available at PrimeHealth Urgent Care. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Parrish FL, Bradenton FL, Sarasota FL, Lehigh Acres FL, Estero FL, Ellenton FL, West Bradenton FL, Port Charlotte FL, Palmetto FL, Lakewood Ranch FL, Foxleigh FL, Venice FL, Fruitville FL, Wimauma FL, Balm FL, Fort Myers FL, Westminster FL, El Dorado Acres FL, Cascades FL, West Samoset FL, Memphis FL, Harbour Heights FL, Murdock FL, and surrounding cities.