Strep Throat

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What is strep throat?

Strep throat is an infection caused by group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria. Strep throat is more common in children than in adults.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include fever, sore throat and headache and will often include a stomachache. A person may also have swollen, tender glands in the neck or sores around the nose. Scarlet fever, a rare form of strep infection, is characterized by a sore throat and more general symptoms, such as fatigue and a red rash on the body that feels like sandpaper. Some children can get very serious complications, such as rheumatic fever, if the infection is not treated completely with antibiotics. 

How is it spread?

Strep bacteria are found in infected saliva. The infection spreads through the air when the infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. The spread of infection can be stopped by antibiotic treatment. Symptoms begin 1 to 3 days after exposure to the bacteria.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

It is difficult to diagnose strep throat just by looking at the throat. The physician has to take a culture (swab) of the throat to see if strep bacteria are present. If strep throat is diagnosed, the physician will prescribe an antibiotic, usually penicillin. This medication comes in the form of a pill, a liquid or an injection. If treatment is started early, the individual will feel better soon. This treatment may also prevent the serious complications that can result from strep throat.

What is the period of communicability?

Untreated:     10 - 21 days
Treated:          No longer contagious after 24 hours of treatment

What precautions can I take?

• Watch for signs of strep throat if a possible exposure has occurred.
• If you suspect strep throat, contact your physician. Your physician will start antibiotic treatment as soon as possible if strep throat is diagnosed. Be sure to finish all of the antibiotics, otherwise the infection may not be completely cured.
• Hand washing is important to prevent the spread of infection, especially after wiping your nose and before eating or preparing food. Teach your child to cover his or her mouth when sneezing or coughing.
• If your child has strep throat, he or she should not return to childcare or school until antibiotic treatment has been taken for at least 24 hours.

For more information please call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.