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Strep throat is contagious for about 2-3 weeks in individuals who do not take antibiotics. However, individuals who take antibiotics for strep throat usually are no longer contagious about 24 hours after initiating antibiotic therapy. The bacteria that cause strep throat can be transmitted person-to-person by direct contact, especially from mucus droplets from the mouth, and by indirect contacts, such as kissing and sharing utensils or drinking cups. What is strep throat?
If strep throat is treated with antibiotics, it is no longer contagious after 24 hours.
Strep Throat SymptomsSigns of infectionStreptococcus infection (strep throat) symptoms are related to the inflammation of the throat and surrounding tissues. Common symptoms of strep throat are
What are the signs and symptoms of strep throat?
The incubation period for strep throat varies about 1-5 days after exposure to the bacteria. If you develop a sore throat and a fever, you should consider the possibility that you may have strep throat, especially if another family member or a coworker has been diagnosed with the disease. The pattern of symptoms of strep throat include:
Some people with strep throat also may develop:
SLIDESHOWSore Throat or Strep Throat? How to Tell the Difference See SlideshowHow is strep throat spread?
Is there a test to diagnose strep?Strep throat is diagnosed by the medical history, physical examination of the throat, and a rapid strep test on a swab of the throat. The rapid strep test can be confirmed by a throat culture. However, most physicians will diagnose and begin treatment before a throat culture test is completed. You will receive the results of the test the same day. How do I know when I'm cured of the infection?
Health NewsIs strep throat serious? When should I call the doctor?If you suspect that you have strep throat, you should contact a doctor; however, it is more urgent if you have these symptoms and signs.
The major reason to seek medical care for strep throat is that if it goes untreated or is not appropriately treated, serious complications can develop, and include:
Early treatment of strep throat can help prevent these and other complications. IMAGESIs Strep Throat Contagious? See a picture of strep throat and other oral health conditions See ImagesMedically Reviewed on 5/13/2022 References Khan, ZZ. et al. "Group A Streptococcal Infections." Medscape. Updated: Sep 07, 2018. How long should you stay away from people with strep?Antibiotics help prevent spreading the infection to others
People with strep throat should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they: No longer have a fever. AND. Have taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours.
Can strep go away without antibiotics?Strep throat typically goes away within three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. If strep throat is not treated with antibiotics, you may be contagious for two to three weeks and at a higher risk for complications such as rheumatic fever.
What happens if strep throat is untreated?If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.
When is strep most contagious?You are most contagious when you have a fever over 100.4 but can be contagious to others for 48-hours before the symptoms begin. If you have strep throat, you can spread it to others until you have been taking antibiotic treatment for one to three days.
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