Health Topics for Ear, Nose and Throat

Department of Otolaryngology

Head and Neck Oncology Program

Strep throat

Strep throat is an infection of the throat by the streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat is very contagious and is spread through person-to-person contact, airborne droplets, doorknobs or other surfaces, and occasionally food, water, and even milk that may be contaminated by strep bacteria. Symptoms usually occur within 2 to 5 days after exposure. If untreated, this throat infection can lead to serious lifelong problems.

Strep throat is most common in school-aged children. It occurs most often between October and April. People who have the strep bacteria without any symptoms are called carriers. There is much less risk of getting strep throat from someone who is a carrier than someone with symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

• severe sore throat
• fever
• bright red tonsils and throat
• difficulty swallowing
• white or yellow spots at the back of the throat
• a swollen, tender neck
• weakness and
• loss of appetite

If symptoms of strep throat are present, contact your healthcare provider. Other bacteria and viruses can cause these same symptoms. A rapid strep screen is done to identify strep throat from other causes. The results are available in a few minutes. Since this quick test is not 100 percent accurate, all tests are followed with a routine strep culture that takes 24 to 48 hours to get results. During that time, a patient whose strep screen is positive is placed on antibiotics.

Strep throat is usually treated with an antibiotic for 10 to 14 days. It is very important to finish all the medication. The patient should get bed rest, drink plenty of water, eat soothing foods, and stay away from others for 24 hours after taking the first pill. Dispose of used tissues carefully.

Use medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen to relieve pain or reduce fever. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants). Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

Not treating strep throat or stopping the antibiotic early can lead to rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can damage the heart valves, and affect the joints and brain. Strep throat can also lead to kidney, ear, or sinus infections, if not treated.

If someone in your family is already being treated for strep, treatment without taking a throat culture may be given to another family member showing the symptoms. If the symptoms are not like strep, your provider may want to watch them before ordering any tests or starting any treatment.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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