Tips for Strep Throat Prevention and Treatment

With the changing weather and upcoming flu season, a sore throat is an irritating, unwelcome symptom of common fall illnesses. There are plenty of reasons for throat irritation, including allergies, post-nasal drip, a cold and mononucleosis. However, one potential culprit of a throat infection is Group A Streptococcus bacterium, or strep throat. There are several million cases of strep throat every year in the United States and it is one of the most prevalent diseases among children.

Although anyone can get strep throat, there are certain factors that make children 5 -15 years old more susceptible to this common infection. Non-invasive Group A strep resides in the nose and throat, making it easier to spread to the bacteria to others by coughing or sneezing. These illnesses spread when large groups gather and tend to run rampant in schools and day care centers.

Children can contract strep throat if they breathe another’s respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria, touch a contaminated surface and then touch their mouth or nose, or drink or eat from the same glass or plate as a sick person. Once infected, symptoms will begin to appear 2 - 5 days after exposure and must be treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms of strep throat include:

• A rapid onset of a sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Enlarged tonsils (especially laden with white patches or pus)
• Swollen lymph nodes and
• Red spots (petechiae) on the roof of the mouth
• Fever and headaches

An important fact about strep throat is that not everyone who contracts the disease displays symptoms. If left undiagnosed, strep throat can remain contagious for up to a month, making good hygiene practices critical throughout the school season, from late fall to early spring.

It is vital to be aware of virus outbreaks at your child’s school, as the streptococcus bacteria can spread quickly throughout your household. It is more common for children than for adults to develop strep because it flourishes in community environments and school-aged children are less likely to mitigate risk factors when among peers. Establish good practices at home so that your child can be prepared to prevent strep.

Precautionary behaviors that can aid in averting strep include:

• Covering one’s mouth with a tissue or with your upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing
• Using one’s own water bottle and utensils
• Taking advantage of antibacterial sanitizers or wipes when using public transportation or shared spaces
• Handwashing diligently

Despite preventative measures, strep throat is still possible. A telltale sign you have strep is a reoccurring sore throat that is painful or persistent for an extended period. If this is the case, it is important to go and see a doctor.

Strep throat is highly contagious yet easily treatable. A simple throat swab will confirm whether a patient is positive for strep. If they are, a dose of antibiotics will be administered, and the patient should feel an improvement after 48 hours.

During this season keep in mind that strep throat is not a one-time occurrence. Assessing one’s environment and taking the necessary precautions can keep you strep free in the months to come.