Is Strep Throat Contagious? Prevent, Identify and Treat Strep Throat

In today’s world of hyper-focus on Covid-19 it is increasingly more difficult for individuals and families to identify and treat illnesses that present any similar symptoms to Covid-19. But strep throat is a nuisance and with proper identification, quick treatment, and some preventative tips you can help keep your friends and family safe against strep throat.

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection of the throat. The bacteria that causes strep throat is Streptococcus pyogenes and it can result in a sore throat, fever, swollen tonsils, and white patches on the back of your throat.

Some risks of untreated strep throat include:

Rheumatic fever
Pneumonia
Scarlet Fever

When to see a doctor?

If you have any of the above symptoms and suspect you may have strep throat, it is best to see your doctor. They will be able to do a rapid strep test which can confirm whether or not you have the infection.

Symptoms of Strep Throat

While Covid-19 produces a fever, and potentially a sore throat. It is important to be aware that your best option for feeling better quicker is trusting an Urgent Care professional to properly identify. A good example of this in Covid-19 is that often your sore throat may be because of intense coughing. Oftentimes without testing, it is impossible to know for sure. If you are experiencing most or some of the following symptoms, you may have strep throat:

Sore throat
Pain when swallowing
Fever
Swollen tonsils
White patches on the back of your throat

Strep Throat Treatment options

There are a few different ways to treat strep throat.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics
You may be given a steroid medication
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe the pain
Drinking lots of fluids
Using lozenges or throat sprays

Strep Throat FAQ

Q: Is strep throat contagious?

A: Yes, strep throat is highly contagious and can be passed through coughing and sneezing. It is important to stay home from work or school until you have been on antibiotics for 24 hours.

Strep Throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the throat. It is important to properly identify and treat strep throat as soon as possible to avoid any further complications. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, please see your doctor for a diagnosis. Treatment options include antibiotics, steroids, salt water gargles, and drinking lots of fluids. Stay home from work or school until you have been on antibiotics for 24 hours. Remember, strep throat is contagious and can be passed through coughing and sneezing.

Q: How long is strep throat contagious?

A: Strep throat is contagious until you have been on antibiotics for 24 hours.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, please see your doctor for a diagnosis. Treatment options include antibiotics, steroids, salt water gargles, and drinking lots of fluids. Stay home from work or school until you have been on antibiotics for 24 hours. Remember, strep throat is contagious and can be passed through coughing and sneezing.

Q: What are the side effects of antibiotics for strep throat?

A: The most common side effect of antibiotics is diarrhea.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, please see your doctor for a diagnosis. Treatment options include antibiotics, steroids, saltwater gargles, and drinking lots of fluids. Stay home from work or school until you have been on antibiotics for 24 hours. Remember, strep throat is contagious and can be passed through coughing and sneezing.

Q: Can I take over-the-counter medications for strep throat?

A: Yes, you can take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief.

Q: How can you prevent strep throat from spreading?

A: Covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough, washing your hands often, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick are all good ways to prevent the spread of strep throat.

Remember, strep throat is highly contagious and can be passed through coughing and sneezing. It is important to stay home from work or school until you have been on antibiotics for 24 hours.

Q: How long does it take to recover from strep throat?

A: Most people start feeling better within a few days of starting treatment.

Most people start feeling better within a few days of starting treatment. However, it is important to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure that the infection is gone.

Q: What are the long-term effects of untreated strep throat?

A: Untreated strep throat can lead to more serious health problems, such as rheumatic fever, kidney damage, and even death.

It is important to properly identify and treat strep throat as soon as possible to avoid any further complications.

Visit Urgent Care for Immediate Strep Throat Relief

At iCare Argyle we accept walk-ins for strep throat and other illnesses for immediate testing to properly identify and treat strep throat. If it’s time to get better, give us a call at 940-293-2888.