Strep Throat

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is an infection caused by the bacterial Streptococcus pyogenes that causes pain, redness and inflammation of the throat. It affects people of any age, being more frequent in children between 5-15 years old. If left untreated, kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever may develop.

How Strep Throat Spreads

It is spread by direct person-to-person contact by inhaling droplets of secretions expelled through coughing or sneeze and by saliva from infected persons when sharing food or drinks and kissing. Contact with contaminated objects and then bringing hands to the mouth, eyes or nose also transmits it. It is commonly transmitted between family members or people living in the same household.

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Online Consultation for Strep Throat Symptoms

Preventing Strep Throat

Good hygiene habits prevent chances of strep throat transmission. Adults and children should wash their hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneeze, before preparing food or eating. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used. Cover the mouth when sneezing and discard used tissues, wash drinking glasses, dishes and eating utensils after they have been used by a sick person.

Strep Throat Signs and Symptoms

Sore and swollen throat with white patches
Fever
Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
Pain on swallowing
Red and swollen tonsils
Headache and general malaise
Skin rash
Small red spots on the roof of the mouth

Strep Throat Treatments

Throat infection is treated with antibiotics to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and spread.

The best antibiotics for people not allergic to penicillin are Amoxicillin - Cephalexin orally for 7 days. For patients allergic to Penicillin, Clindamycin, Azithromycin or Clarithromycin are prescribed.

Rest is recommended from the onset of infection until symptoms subside. Children may return to school when they feel better and no longer have a fever. It is important to complete all treatment to prevent complications.

Common questions about Strep Throat

Strep throat can often be diagnosed and treated through an online consultation if the healthcare provider is able to assess your symptoms and medical history adequately. In some cases, they might recommend a visit to a local clinic for a rapid strep test before prescribing antibiotics.

If left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious complications, including rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart valves, and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, a kidney condition. It's important to seek treatment promptly to avoid these potentially serious outcomes.

Online consultations can be a good initial step if leaving home is inconvenient or if symptoms are mild. However, for severe symptoms, or if there is difficulty swallowing, breathing, or persistent fever, it is better to see a doctor in person for a thorough evaluation and rapid testing.

When you have strep throat, it's best to eat soft, bland foods that are easy to swallow. Soups, broths, applesauce, and yogurt are good options. Avoid spicy or acidic foods as they can irritate the throat. Staying hydrated is essential, so drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and other non-irritating beverages.

If someone in your household has strep throat, minimize close contact to prevent the spread of the infection. Encourage the infected individual to use separate eating utensils and drinkware, which should be washed thoroughly. Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces, and encourage frequent handwashing for all household members.

Recurrent strep throat can be a concern as it may indicate an underlying issue with the immune system or tonsils. Frequent infections can lead to more serious conditions like rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart or cause other complications. In some cases, recurrent infections may lead to the recommendation of a tonsillectomy.

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Strep Throat

What is Strep Throat?

How Strep Throat Spreads

Your Treatment is a Single Click away.

Preventing Strep Throat

Strep Throat Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of Strep Throat:

Strep Throat Treatments

Common questions about Strep Throat

How it Works

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Strep Throat

What is Strep Throat?

How Strep Throat Spreads

Your Treatment is a Single Click away.

Preventing Strep Throat

Strep Throat Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of Strep Throat:

Strep Throat Treatments

Common questions about Strep Throat

Can strep throat be treated online?

What complications can arise from untreated strep throat?

How should I choose between seeing a doctor in person or consulting online for strep throat?

What dietary adjustments should I make if I have strep throat?

What should I do if someone in my household has strep throat?

What are the long-term risks of recurrent strep throat infections?

How it Works

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