Strep Throat

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Strep throat is a throat infection (in-FEK-shun). It often starts suddenly with a sore, red throat and tonsils. Strep throat is most common in school-aged children, but people of any age can get it. You should see a caregiver and have a special test done to know if you have strep throat. You should not be contagious (able to spread strep to others) after you take antibiotics (an-ti-bi-AH-tiks) for 24 hours. You should feel better within 2 to 3 days after starting antibiotics.

What causes strep throat? Strep throat is caused by a germ called streptococcal (strep-toe-KAH-kull) bacteria (bak-TEER-e-uh). It is spread from an infected person to others by coughing, sneezing, or sharing food or drinks. You may also get strep throat from handling objects that an infected person touched. Strep throat may be easily spread in schools, daycare centers, work, and at home. It is most common during the winter and early spring.

What are the signs and symptoms of strep throat? Some people do not have symptoms when they have strep throat. These people can spread strep to others for 2 to 3 weeks after they have become infected. More commonly, most people with strep throat have at least 1 or more of the following:

• Sore, red, and swollen throat.
  
  
• Fever and headache.
  
  
• Upset stomach, belly pain, or vomiting (throwing up). This happens more often in children than adults.
  
  
• Whitish-yellow patches or blisters in the back of your throat or on your tonsils.
  
  
• Tender, swollen lumps on the sides of your neck or jaw.
  
  
• Problems eating and swallowing because of throat pain.
  
  
• Bad breath.

How is strep throat diagnosed? Your caregiver will look at your throat and do a throat culture. A throat culture is done by rubbing a cotton swab against the back of your throat. Your caregiver may do a rapid strep test. This is a test that can be done while you wait. Your caregiver may also put a throat swab in a special tube and send it to the lab. The test results may be ready in 1 to 2 days. If you have strep throat, other family members may need to have a throat culture too.

How is strep throat treated? You will need antibiotic (an-ti-bi-AH-tik) medicine to treat your strep throat.

How can I take care of myself while I have strep throat?

• Rest.
  
  
• Do not smoke.
  
  
• Run a cool mist humidifier in the room. This will add moisture to the air and help you breathe easier.
  
  
• Drink 8 to 10 cups of water each day. Try juice, ice chips, milk shakes, or soups if your throat is too sore to eat solid food.
  
  
• Gargle with strong tea or a mixture of 1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water.
  
  
• Suck on hard candy, cough drops, or throat lozenges (LOSS-un-juzz).
  
  
• You may return to work or school 24 hours after starting antibiotic medicine.
  
  
• Replace your toothbrush after you have taken antibiotics for 24 hours. Strep bacteria may be living on your old toothbrush.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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