Is Strep Throat Contagious

Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Streptococcus bacteria. Although this infection is commonly seen in children and teenagers, people of any age group can contract it. Strep throat generally lasts for a week. Many people confuse a sore throat with strep throat. A primary difference between the two is that sore throat is caused by virus, whereas, strep throat is a bacterial infection.

Strep Throat Symptoms

Red spots on the back of the throat or reddening of the throat are the prominent symptoms of strep throat. Apart from these, the other symptoms include difficulty in swallowing, nausea, fever, etc. As these symptoms are similar to those of sore throat, you must immediately consult a doctor to know the exact cause of the symptoms. Strep throat in adults is usually seen in people having a weak immune system.

Is Strep Throat Contagious?

One of the major concerns of people is whether strep throat is contagious or not. Well, the answer is Yes, strep throat is contagious, i.e. it can spread from person to person. The infection can spread from the infected person to the other if the other comes in contact with the body fluids of the infected person. If the infected person sneezes or coughs near the other person, there are chances of spreading the infection. Secondly, sharing personal items like towels, handkerchiefs, etc., or shaking hands can also cause strep throat to spread. Strep throat incubation period varies from one person to the other. Normally it lasts for 3 days, but, sometimes, it can also go up to 5 days.

Secondly, how long is strep throat contagious? Strep throat is contagious until you take antibiotics. Once the infected person takes antibiotics, strep throat stops being contagious within 24 hours. If a person suffering from strep throat fails to get it diagnosed and treated immediately, the disease can remain contagious for days together, sometimes even for 2-3 weeks. Therefore, it can be said that, without antibiotics, strep throat is contagious as long as the symptoms appear. Leaving the symptoms untreated can lead to other serious complications. Therefore, it is essential to consult the doctor and get the disease diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Antibiotics for Strep Throat

Antibiotics shorten the time of spread of the disease. Penicillin is universally prescribed by doctors for strep throat. But, if the patient is allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics, like, cephalexin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, etc. are given to the patient. Although antibiotics are effective in treating and preventing strep throat from spreading, sometimes, people experience side effects of antibiotics, like, skin rash or diarrhea. In that case, people can go for home remedies for strep throat. Cough lozenges, herbal or ginger tea, etc. can help in treating symptoms like cough and throat irritation. At the same time, drinking plenty of fluids and taking rest can help in providing quick relief.

Prevention of Strep Throat

You can follow some simple preventive methods to avoid strep throat. The most important of all, is to have a balanced diet to strengthen the immunity of the body. You must wash your hands with soaps or sanitizer, especially if you come in contact with people suffering from cough and other contagious diseases. Secondly, you should avoid using other people's personal things like, clothes, towels, toothbrush, etc. It is also advisable to cover your mouth and nose if you suffer from sore or strep throat, in order to prevent the disease from spreading.

We conclude by saying that strep throat is definitely a contagious condition. Therefore, if you observe the aforementioned symptoms, you must immediately consult the doctor and take proper treatment. This will also help in preventing the spread of disease. Take care!