A sore throat can be a sign of a variety of illnesses, including strep throat. Strep throat is considered a mild illness, but it can be quite uncomfortable. Common symptoms include: Show
Other symptoms can include headache, nausea, stomachache, and vomiting. When a rash occurs with strep throat, it’s called scarlet fever. This article will discuss the risk factors for strep throat, how it’s treated, and how long it lasts. Paul Bradbury / Getty Images Causes Strep
throat is an infection caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep). Group A strep usually lives in the nose and throat. It’s spread by talking, coughing, or sneezing. Sometimes it can even be passed from infected skin sores. Risk FactorsAnyone can get strep throat. However, some age groups are more likely to get it than others. Children and teens ages 5 to 15 are the most commonly affected group. Parents of school-age children and adults who are often around children are at increased risk of strep throat. Crowded settings can also increase your risk, since these settings are also more likely to have infectious illnesses spread anyway. These can include:
How Long Does Strep Throat Last? Symptoms of strep throat usually get better within a week, but this can vary. With AntibioticsWith antibiotics, your symptoms should start to get better soon, often in a day or two. You can return to school or work once you no longer have a fever and you have been taking antibiotics for at least 12 hours. It is important to stay on the
antibiotics for all days it is prescribed (10 days for penicillin or amoxicillin) to ensure that the bacteria are killed. Without AntibioticsWhile strep throat typically goes away on its own within seven days, it can be contagious to others during that time, and it can lead to serious adverse effects for some people. Without antibiotics, complications can occur. These can include:
Strep Throat vs. Sore ThroatWhile strep throat usually entails a sore throat, sore throats are not always a sign of strep. A general sore throat is often accompanied by congestion, runny nose, moderate fever, and a swollen and scratchy throat/tonsils. Strep throat often has white patches on the back of the throat (although other conditions can as well), tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, headache, and swollen lymph nodes under the ears. Strep also typically does not have a cough, congestion, or runny nose. How Long Is a Person Contagious?People with strep can typically spread the infection to other people until they’ve been on antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises staying
home from school or work until you’ve been on antibiotics for at least 12 hours and you do not have a fever. Other sources may advise waiting a full 24 hours after being on antibiotics to return to school or work. You may ask about your school or work policy. What Is the Treatment for Strep Throat?Because bacteria (not viruses) cause strep, the treatment is antibiotics. This helps prevent more serious (although rare) complications like rheumatic fever. The usual antibiotics prescribed are either penicillin or amoxicillin. These should be taken as directed for 10 days, even after your symptoms are gone. Relief for symptoms can include:
When to See a Healthcare ProviderIt’s important to see a healthcare provider as soon as you feel symptoms of strep throat to determine whether antibiotics are needed. The healthcare provider can do a rapid strep test, get the results, and then prescribe the antibiotics. If the test is negative but the healthcare provider still thinks it’s strep, a throat culture may be taken by swabbing the throat. The results will take time to get back. This is more often done for children and teens since untreated strep in these groups can lead to rheumatic fever. The risk of rheumatic
fever is less for adults, so they usually will not have a throat culture if the rapid test is negative. SummaryStrep throat is caused by the bacteria group A Streptococcus. While it may go away within a week or so on its own, to prevent complications and/or reinfection, antibiotics are necessary. With antibiotics, you should start feeling better soon, and after 24 hours on the medication, you are no longer contagious to anyone else. While strep throat can be uncomfortable, there are medications to treat it and steps you can take to relieve or reduce your symptoms. A Word From Verywell Even though you may start to feel better after a day or two on antibiotics, it’s important to take the medication for the entire length of time they are prescribed. This helps to ensure that
all of the bacteria are killed. If you have any questions about your specific antibiotic course of treatment, talk with your healthcare provider. Frequently Asked Questions
Thanks for your feedback! How long should I stay home if I have strep throat?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 the bacteria to others.
How long does it take for strep to fully go away?With proper treatment, strep is usually cured within 10 days. Treatment includes antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin.
How long does it take for strep throat to return to normal?Even on antibiotics, it can take 7-10 days for the sore throat associated with strep to go away, though you should start to see some improvement 3-4 days into your illness.
How can I speed up the recovery of strep throat?Lifestyle and home remedies. Get plenty of rest. Sleep helps your body fight infection. ... . Drink plenty of water. Keeping a sore throat lubricated and moist eases swallowing and helps prevent dehydration.. Eat soothing foods. ... . Gargle with warm salt water. ... . Honey. ... . Use a humidifier. ... . Stay away from irritants.. |