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What is Strep Throat? What are the signs of Strep Throat?
Strep Throat is an infection caused by bacteria. It is called "strep" because the bacteria that causes the infection is called streptococcus.
Adults with Strep Throat may have a sore throat, fever, and swollen neck glands. They usually do not have a cough or runny nose.
Children with Strep Throat may have a sore throat, fever, tummy pain, or a red rash with small spots. The rash is usually worse under the arms and in the crease of the elbow. Children frequently will not be eating as well or only wanting liquids as well as being fussy and irritable.
How is Strep Throat treated?
Since antibiotics kill bacteria, your Physician will prescribe an antibiotic to treat the Strep Throat. It is very important to take all of the medicine prescribed in order to prevent complications or an extended illness.
Should all sore throats be treated with antibiotics?
NO. Not all sore throats are caused by strep. Your Physician may do a strep test in the office or sometimes a throat culture. Because of the variations of causes for a sore throat, this is the reason an office visit is better medicine than treating a "sore throat" over the phone.
Can other people catch my Strep Throat?
Yes, especially when drinking from the same container or cup of an infected person or by being in very close physical contact. Children should NOT go back to school until they are free of fever for 24 hours. It usually takes the antibiotic 24-48 hours to make a person non-contagious.
What can make my sore throat feel better?
-Rest
-Drink plenty of fluids
-Eat soft or liquid foods,especially cold ones
-Take acetaminiphen or ibuprofen for comfort and fever
-Take your ENTIRE antibiotic course
Can people actually get Strep Throat from their pets?
VERY rarely!
SAMA - The Right Choice in HealthCare
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