Throat Infections

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is an infection of the throat caused by bacteria called Streptococci. There are many types of Streptococcal bacteria can cause a sore throat, ear and sinus infections, as well as skin diseases. It is important to note that all sore throats (pharyngitis) are not neccessarily strep throat. At ZoomCare, we can run a rapid test to determine if your throat problem is indeed a result of strep bacteria in your throat.

How does it occur?

Strep infections are very contagious. They are usually passed directly from person to person. Strep throat is common in school-age children. Children under 2 years old and adults not exposed to children are much less likely to get strep throat. It is most common from November through April, but it can happen at any time of year.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of a strep infection may include:
  • sore, red throat
  • painful swallowing
  • fever
  • chills
  • headaches
  • muscle aches and pains
  • tired feeling.
  • swollen, tender lymph nodes (these glands prevent the infection from coming back. Strep needs to be treated so you can prevent serious problems it might cause, such as heart disease.)

    How long will the effects last?

    The symptoms of strep throat may go away as soon as 24 hours after you start treatment. The symptoms rarely last longer than 5 days. Strep is no longer contagious after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment so you may return to school or work in one day if you are feeling better. Untreated or incompletely treated strep infections can cause serious complications including throat abscess, rheumatic fever and kidney disease. Rheumatic fever can damage the heart valves and affect your joints and brain. Therefore, be sure to take all your antibiotic medicine. If the symptoms last longer than one week, you may need to have a mono test done by your ZoomCare physician.

    How can I take care of myself?

    Follow the full treatment prescribed by your health care provider. For a sore throat:
  • Make sure you have enough fluids. Drink clear soup, cold drinks, and other clear, nutritious liquids. If eating hurts your throat, don't force yourself to eat solid food. When you are able to eat more foods, choose healthy food to give you strength and to help fight the infection.
  • Do not smoke. Do not breathe second-hand smoke.
  • Gargle with salt water.
  • Suck on lozenges or hard candy.
  • Don't talk a lot. Rest your voice.
  • Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air.
  • Put warm compresses on your neck.
  • ·If you have a fever, rest and limit your activities until the fever is gone. Ask your health care if you can take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to reduce your fever and to relieve pain. Anyone under age 21 with a fever should not take aspirin because it increases the risk of Reye's syndrome.

    How can I help prevent spreading strep throat?

    The following suggestions may help you prevent spread of your strep infection to others.
  • Avoid close contact with other people until you have been taking the antibiotic for 24 to 48 hours so they will not be exposed to the strep bacteria.
  • Use tissues when you cough and dispose of them carefully.
  • Hand washing is the best method of prevention. Wash your hands before you touch food, dishes, glasses, silverware, napkins, etc.
  • Wash your hands after you cough.
  • Be careful not to let your nose or mouth touch public telephones or drinking fountains.
  • Use paper cups and paper towels in bathrooms instead of shared drinking cups and hand towels.
  • Do not share food and eating utensils with others, even if they ask nicely.

    NOTIFY YOUR DOCTOR right away, return to ZoomCare, or go to the Emergency Department immediately in case of the following:
  • If your symptoms worsen or are not better in 3 days of treatment.
  • If you have a worsening fever.
  • If there is worsening of your condition or your general health.