How Contagious is Strep Throat

Strep throat is a very common bacterial infection which affects the throat and tonsils. It is caused by the Streptococcus bacteria. Though children are most likely to be affected by strep throat, it could affect adults as well. Strep throat is highly contagious and one could catch this infection by coming in contact with an infected person. Bacteria that are responsible for causing this infection are present in the nose and throat. If one is in proximity of the infected person while he/she coughs or sneezes, one is at a risk of contracting this infection. Besides contact with respiratory secretions of the infected people, using the infected person's belongings could also make one susceptible. Throat pain, swollen tonsils and cough are some of the most common symptoms of strep throat. If anyone in your family seems to be exhibiting the symptoms of strep throat, you must consult a doctor soon. Here's some information on how contagious is strep throat and for how long is strep throat contagious.

Symptoms of Strep Throat

As mentioned earlier, throat pain and swollen tonsils are the most common symptoms of this bacterial infection. High fever, nausea, headache, difficulty in swallowing are some of the other signs of strep throat. If the person experiences a sudden onset of sore throat without the symptoms of cold such as coughing, sneezing, stuffy or runny rose, it could be indicative of a strep throat. When sore throat is accompanied by symptoms of cold, it might be caused due to a viral infection. To determine the treatment options, it is first ascertained whether the infection is caused by a bacterium or a virus.

Development of red spots on the roof of the mouth at the back of the throat may also be indicative of strep throat. Swollen or enlarged tonsils and the presence of white spots on the throat or the tonsils might also be attributed to strep throat. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, loss of appetite and lower stomach pain could also be caused due to this bacterial infection. The symptoms could also vary depending on the strain of bacteria. Some strains could give rise to scarlet fever rash or rheumatic fever.

How Long is Strep Throat Contagious?

As you already know strep throat can spread through person-to-person contact. A child can catch this infection if he/she comes into contact with an infected child. Children who have a weak immune system are more likely to catch this infection. The incubation period for strep throat, which is the phase that starts from the time the causal organism enters the body till the time when the symptoms start appearing, is generally 3 days, but for some, it could be as long as 8 days.

Strep throat can be treated with the help of strep throat antibiotics such as amoxicillin, azithromycin, cephalexin, cefladroxil and cefprozil. Once antibiotics have been administered, strep throat stays contagious for about 24 hours. If your child seems to be exhibiting the symptoms of strep throat, you must consult a doctor soon. Besides using antibiotics, you can also try home remedies for strep throat. Add a pinch of salt to lukewarm water and let the infected person gargle with it 2-3 times daily. Drinking herbal tea might also prove beneficial. In the absence of proper treatment, strep throat could remain contagious for a couple of weeks. It is therefore, important that all precautionary measures are taken to prevent the spread of this infection to others. Maintain distance from those suffering from strep throat and don't use their personal belongings.

Since children are more vulnerable to developing strep throat than adults, educate your child about precautionary measures. Avoiding direct contact with an infected person is the best way to prevent strep throat. Timely treatment will not only help to alleviate the symptoms of strep throat, but will also lower the risk of transmission of the pathogen to others.