Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. Unlike most sore throats (which are viral), strep throat requires antibiotic treatment. **Why Strep Throat Matters:** Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications: - **Rheumatic fever:** Can damage the heart - **Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis:** Kidney inflammation - **Peritonsillar abscess:** Collection of pus near tonsils - **Scarlet fever:** Strep with a red rash **Strep Throat vs. Viral Sore Throat:** | Strep Throat | Viral Sore Throat | |-------------|-------------------| | Sudden, severe throat pain | Gradual onset | | Fever common (101°F+) | May or may not have fever | | NO cough | Often have cough | | NO runny nose | Runny nose, congestion | | White patches on tonsils | Tonsils may be red | | Swollen neck lymph nodes | Less prominent | | Headache, stomachache | Cold symptoms | **Testing is Important:** You cannot tell for certain if it's strep just by looking. A rapid strep test or throat culture is needed for diagnosis. Most sore throats are viral—don't assume you need antibiotics.

**How Strep Throat Spreads:** 1. **Respiratory droplets:** Coughing, sneezing, talking 2. **Direct contact:** Sharing food, drinks, utensils 3. **Touching contaminated surfaces:** Then touching mouth/nose 4. **Close contact:** Schools, households, dormitories **Why it spreads easily:** - Highly contagious before and during symptoms - Can be spread by asymptomatic carriers - Bacteria can survive on surfaces temporarily - Common in close-contact settings **Who gets strep throat most:** - Children ages 5-15 (most common) - Parents of school-age children - People in close contact with infected individuals - Those in crowded settings (schools, camps) **Why antibiotics are important:** - Kill bacteria and prevent complications - Reduce contagious period (24 hours after starting) - Speed up recovery - Prevent spread to others **Strep carriers:** Some people carry strep bacteria without symptoms. They can still spread it but are at low risk for complications themselves.