Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria. While viral causes of sore throats cannot be remedied with medication, bacteria infections can often be addressed with antibiotics.
Strep throat can spread through saliva droplets expelled when coughing or sneezing, typically affecting school-age children aged five to fifteen but also potentially impacting siblings, parents and teachers who spend time around these children.
How Long Does Strep Throat Last?
What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria that affects the throat and tonsils. It results in a sore or scratchy throat and the presence of white patches on the tonsils. During the incubation period, which occurs two to five days after being infected but before symptoms appear, it is highly contagious. The contagiousness continues until symptoms resolve.
Strep throat typically resolves on its own within 7-10 days. Most individuals with strep throat experience worsening symptoms for 2-3 days before experiencing improvement. However, healthcare professionals recommend antibiotic treatment to minimize the risk of complications.
Symptoms
Strep throat symptoms typically last seven to ten days and peak within the first two or three days.
Doctors can diagnose strep throat by conducting a physical exam and conducting either a rapid strep test or culture swab to confirm an infection. A throat culture typically takes one or two days for results to return.
Once a positive strep test is confirmed, doctors can prescribe antibiotics to kill off the bacteria and shorten the length of time spent sick. Common antibiotics used include penicillin and amoxicillin; those allergic to either should seek medical advice in regards to possible alternatives.
OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen can provide effective relief, while people suffering from strep throat should drink plenty of liquids – particularly warm fluids – and sucker up lozenges or ice pops for relief. Speak to your physician about staying home until fever has subsided and all antibiotics have been taken.
Diagnosis
Sore throats are typically caused by viruses; strep throat, however, is transmitted when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes and exhales tiny droplets full of bacteria into the air, landing on your hands before becoming airborne again – leaving an infection behind that you can spread by touching your mouth or nose – typically appearing two to five days post exposure to bacteria.
Docs typically diagnose strep throat by swabbing the throat and running a rapid test, and if positive results appear they typically prescribe antibiotics immediately. They may also perform a throat culture which takes more time but allows doctors to see whether group A streptococcus bacteria grow on a swab sample taken during diagnosis.
To prevent or spread strep throat, it is essential that everyone practices good hand hygiene regularly and covers their mouth and nose when coughing/sneezing, using tissues instead of shaking hands when possible.
Furthermore, individuals should refrain from sharing glasses, plates or utensils with others and refrain from sharing glasses, plates, or utensils until their antibiotic treatment has completed. If someone already has strep throat it is wise to stay home until their antibiotic treatment has finished;
Treatment
Antibiotics are typically the first line of defense against infection for both adults and children alike. Antibiotics come in pill form and should be taken according to instruction for 10 days to help eliminate bacteria and alleviate symptoms. A one-time injection of penicillin may also be an option if someone is allergic to taking oral medication.
Rapid strep tests involve quickly brushing a soft swab across the back of the throat and analyzing it for signs of strep in a few minutes. If positive, further tests will likely be conducted to confirm diagnosis and ensure no other germs exist in your throat environment.
Strep throat is highly contagious. It spreads via tiny droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or sings as well as surfaces they touch.
People living with strep throat remain contagious until taking antibiotics; once this course of medicine has been completed they should become less contagious within 24 hours and may return to school, work or daycare without becoming infectious again.
Duration
Strep throat symptoms typically last about one week. With antibiotic treatment, they should improve within several days with most people feeling better by day 10.
However, it’s essential that you finish taking all prescribed doses unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider as discontinuing early could increase the risk of recurrence while decreasing effectiveness against future infections.
Strep throat is highly contagious and must be diagnosed through physical examination and either rapid antigen detection test (RADT) or swab throat culture.
Adults experiencing sore throat symptoms for longer than 24 hours and/or fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, difficulty swallowing or fever should consult their health care provider immediately as untreated Strep can lead to serious complications; treatment with antibiotics should begin immediately for maximum effectiveness.
What Are the Potential Complications of Untreated Strep Throat
Strep throat, a bacterial infection, can cause a sore or scratchy throat accompanied by white patches on the tonsils. If left untreated, this condition may result in serious complications.
Here are some potential complications of untreated strep throat:
- Kidney inflammation: Can lead to kidney damage.
- Toxic shock syndrome: An uncommon yet severe complication that can arise from strep pharyngitis, leading to a widespread and serious infection with potential organ failure.
- Meningitis: A brain infection.
- Pneumonia: A lung infection.
- A retro-pharyngeal abscess: Can form behind the throat when strep throat infection remains untreated or under-treated. This condition can lead to severe illness, accompanied by pain in the throat and neck, difficulty swallowing, and potential respiratory issues.
If you suspect that you have strep throat, it is essential to consult a doctor. Leaving strep throat untreated can result in severe complications. Should your symptoms persist for more than ten days, seeking medical attention from a doctor or health practitioner is advisable.
Remember, individuals with strep throat are generally contagious until they have been on antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours. If diagnosed with strep throat, it is necessary to stay home from work or school until at least 12 hours of antibiotic treatment have passed and the absence of fever is confirmed.
Promptly diagnosing and treating strep throat with antibiotics can significantly reduce the risk of complications and minimize the chances of infecting others. This approach ensures that potential complications are minimized, and the spread of infection is limited.
