Strep throat cases typically rise in the late fall and persist throughout the winter months into early spring, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Children between the ages of 5 to 15 are most likely to contract strep throat.
What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, reports the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Strep throat is spread from person-to-person through saliva or nasal discharge. You can also catch strep from touching a contaminated surface like a counter top or cup and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.
When left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition that can affect the brain, heart, joints and skin. When it strikes symptoms usually appear about three weeks after strep. In rare cases strep throat may also cause kidney inflammation.
Signs of Strep Throat
Classic symptoms of strep throat include discomfort and difficulty swallowing, red, swollen tonsil, headache, fever, fatigue and upset stomach. Keep in mind these symptoms are similar to other viral infections and are not always indicative of strep.
It’s also possible to have strep without having a sore, irritated throat. Your health care provider can perform a test called a throat culture to determine whether the strep is present.
Treating Strep Throat
Although strep typically improves on its own, antibiotics are usually prescribed to guard against complications like rheumatic fever. Medications such as amoxicillin and penicillin destroy bacteria and help relieve throat pain and other symptoms, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Home Care for Strep Throat
Several home remedies can help ease symptoms of strep throat until the effects antibiotics are realized. Gargling with salt water or drinking warm beverages like lemon or honey tea can soothe an irritated throat. Cold popsicles and frozen yogurt can also comfort a sore throat.
Sucking on ice and/or drinking water throughout the day will keep the throat moist and make swallowing easier. Drinking water will also help prevent dehydration.
A humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer can also help moisten a sore, dry throat. Getting plenty of rest will give your body strength to help it fight off infection.
Sources:
American Academy of Family Physicians: "Strep Throat" (Accessed October 11, 2010)
Mayo Clinic: "Strep Throat" (Accessed October 11, 2010)
Medline Plus: "Rheumatic Fever" (Accessed October 11, 2010)
University of Maryland Medical Center: "Strep Throat Treatment" (Accessed October 11, 2010)
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: "Strep Throat" (Accessed October 11, 2010)
Karen Gaskell - Karen Jean Gaskell has worked as a radio and television journalist for more than three decades. During her career Karen has written and ...
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