What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is the most common bacterial infection of the throat, caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat occurs most commonly in school-aged children and teens (between the ages of 5 and 15). But others may also develop it, too. Strep throat usually occurs in late fall and early spring. But, strep throat can occur anytime to the year.
Why Does Strep Throat Occurs?
Strep throat is highly contagious infection which is spread by close contact with an infected person through airborne droplets or, nasal secretions or, saliva. So, infection spreads easily among family members or in schools as they are in close contact.
Strep throat is mainly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS). They invade the pharyngeal tissue and cause inflammation.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Strep Throat and Diagnosis?
What are the Complications of Strep Throat?
Strep throat isn't dangerous. But, sometimes strep throat may lead to serious complications such as-
- Acute rheumatic fever - Untreated strep throat sometimes may cause this serious complication which may lead to congestive heart failure (rare).
- Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis - a rare kidney complication that may lead to kidney damage, most common in children between 2 to 12 years of age
- Spread of the infection leads to ear infection, sinusitis or mastoiditis
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Guttate psoriasis
- Scarlet fever
- Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
- PANDAS syndrome
What is the way of Strep Throat Prevention?
Strep throat is contagious. Strep throat spread from person to person by contact. Preventive measures for strep throat are-
- Stay home from school, daycare, or work during infectious to minimize the spread of the illness to others.
- Change toothbrush after you are no longer contagious, but before finishing the antibiotics. Otherwise the bacteria can live in the toothbrush and re-infect you when the antibiotics are done.
- Consult a doctor to see if someone in your family is a strep carrier or not. Treating them can prevent others from getting strep throat.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose using tissue during sneezing or coughing which helps prevent the release of infected airborne droplets.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Wash your hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after coughing or sneezing that helps prevent the bacteria spreading to others.
- Avoid sharing foods and drinks, dishes, drinking glasses or utensils, napkins, handkerchiefs, or towels with people with strep throat.
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