Strep Throat

What is strep throat?

Also known as Streptococcal pharyngitis or pharyngeal disease, strep throat is an infection of the pharynx characterised by a painful, inflamed throat. It is caused by a bacterium known as Group A Streptococcus, and is most common in children under the age of 15, although can affect people of all ages.

Strep throat is most common in the autumn and winter months where people spend more time indoors in close proximity to one another. Airborne transmission occurs via respiratory droplets such as coughing and sneezing or fomites, in which the bacteria is picked up via contaminated objects such as door handles, telephones etc.

Group A Streptococcus bacteria can cause a range of infections are categorised by the location of the infection. Some other diseases caused by Group A Streptococcus include; impetigo, cellulitis, rheumatic fever, acute glomerulonephritis & scarlet fever.

Strep throat symptoms:

Symptoms of strep throat can range from mild to severe and may include;

• Sore, red throat with thick/white patches of pus on the tonsils.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Painful lymph nodes in the neck.
• Fever and chills.

Other symptoms include;

• Headache
• Nausea &/or vomiting

Strep throat treatment:

Oral antibiotics are the standard treatment for strep throat. It is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics even if the patient is feeling better. Failure to do so can result in complications such as rheumatic fever.

Over the counter pain killers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may be taken to relieve discomfort and pain & reduce fever. Children under 18 should not be given aspirin.

Strep throat is contagious for 24 hours after commencement of antibiotics. To prevent spreading the disease do not share food utensils, drinks, towels, toothbrushes with an infected person. Wash the hands regularly.

Also see:

Cellulitis, Glandular Fever, Impetigo, Laryngitis, Scarlet Fever, Tonsillitis