Strep throat is a disease that mostly affects young children, but elders and teenagers also have to deal with this unpleasant illness. Strep throat brings along several annoying symptoms, and your child will need to stay home from school while recovering. In this article, you’ll learn the causes of strep throat, the commonest symptoms, and how long is it contagious?
What Causes Strep Throat?
Streptococcal is a bacteria responsible for painful throat infections. The bacteria is highly contagious, spreading very easily through sneezing, coughing, sharing meals, or contacting infected surfaces. For instance, your child touches a mobile phone that has bacteria on its surface and then touches his nose or mouth. They can get infected. It’s also possible to carry strep throat without any prominent symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?
A sore, irritated throat is the main symptom of strep throat. Don’t expect the intensity of sore throat to be mild. It causes severe pain.
Symptoms that accompany strep throat:
- Headaches
- High fever
- Pain in the body
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Reddish white patches on tonsils
Treatments for Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that is treated with antibiotics. If not treated, it can cause scarlet fever, swollen kidneys, and rheumatic fever. Here are some home remedies that can help minimize symptoms:
- Gargle with warm saltwater
- Take OTC pain medication
- Eat soft food items. Hot soups can provide relief from painful throat
- Take plenty of rest
If your infant has strep throat or throat pain is too severe, which is making eating and drinking too difficult, consult a physician immediately. Your doctor may intravenously give your child fluids. For strep throat that keeps coming back, a tonsillectomy to remove tonsils may be recommended.
How Long Is Strep Throat Contagious?
Streptococcal bacteria spread instantly, and the ones infected by strep throat can be contagious for up to 2-3 days or more before the symptoms come up. This means that an individual who isn’t feeling sick up till now can spread the illness to others. If your child has symptoms of strep throat, they will be contagious until the treatment starts. Antibiotics are recommended treatment for strep throat. A day after the beginning of treatment, strep throat starts losing its power of contagiousness. One important thing to note here is that your child can immediately start feeling better but should finish the antibiotic course to prevent bacteria from growing back.
Consult A Doctor If You Suspect Strep Throat
If you suspect that your young champ is showing symptoms of strep throat, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Strep throat doesn’t get better on its own, and if left untreated, it can cause several health issues. Catching the illness early makes it easier to treat, and the infection dies off quickly. This means your child will spend more time at school and having fun and less time feeling sick. To schedule an appointment, call us today at 281-351-6800.
Looking forward to helping your child be happy again.