For how long is strep throat contagious

If a person experiences these symptoms, they should call or go to the emergency room. People who have any symptoms of strep or another illness should assume they are contagious and avoid close contact with others.

They should not wait for a doctor to confirm the infection or for a medical diagnosis. With proper treatment, strep can go away in just a few days.

Treatment also reduces the risk of serious complications, especially in older people and people with weak immune systems. Is it possible to have strep throat if you do not have a fever? Find out in this article, and learn more about strep throat symptoms and treatment. Tonsillitis and strep throat share many symptoms and can sometimes occur due to the same bacteria. Learn about some of the differences here. Strep throat can be a nasty illness, often with pus at the back of the throat and a fever, but not usually a cough, runny nose, or watery eyes, as….

Some bacteria and viruses can cause inflammation of the tonsils, or tonsillitis. Read on to find out how these pathogens spread, and how to prevent…. Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that typically leads to a sore, scratchy throat.

Sometimes, it can also cause a rash. Several other…. What to know about strep throat transmission and more. Medically reviewed by Cameron White, M. Is it contagious?

Incubation period How long is it contagious? With antibiotics Prevention Seeing a doctor Summary Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection. Share on Pinterest A person with strep throat may transmit it to people they are in close contact with. Strep throat incubation period. How long is strep throat contagious?

If your child touches a surface with the bacteria, like a doorknob, and then touches their mouth or nose, the bacteria may also spread this way. Often, a person may be carrying strep without exhibiting any symptoms. The primary symptom of strep throat is a sore, scratchy throat. However, this is typically not mild in nature. Most strep throat pain is severe. The illness is almost always accompanied by a high fever, and it can also result in body aches, headaches, or nausea and vomiting.

Nausea is more common in children than adults who contract the illness. Strep throat is also indicated by swollen lymph nodes in the neck and red or white patches on the back of the throat or tonsils. Strep throat is usually treated with antibiotics. Left untreated, streptococcal bacteria can cause inflammation of the kidneys, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever and a specific type of arthritis.

Symptoms can be alleviated some with over-the-counter pain relievers, eating soft foods, gargling with warm, salty water several times a day, and getting lots of rest. In cases in which very young children have contracted strep throat, or if throat pain is so severe that eating and drinking are not possible, a visit to the hospital may be necessary so fluids can be given intravenously and your child can be monitored.

Recurring strep throat may be treated with a tonsillectomy, which is a simple outpatient procedure to remove the tonsils and adenoids. Antibiotics help you feel better sooner, prevent serious health problems, and help prevent spreading the infection to others. Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of germs that cause strep throat and other infections. Do not drink from the same glass, eat from the same plate, or share utensils with someone who is sick.

In addition to a sore throat, symptoms of strep throat can include pain when swallowing, a fever, red and swollen tonsils, tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, or swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck. Antibiotics may also prevent spreading the infection to others and prevent complications. Take the prescription exactly as your doctor tells you. People with strep throat should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they no longer have a fever and have taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours.

This will help prevent spreading it to others.