Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils. It’s caused by a type of bacteria called group A Streptococcus (GAS). Show It’s a highly contagious bacterial infection, and it can make your throat very sore and scratchy. Read on to learn more about how strep throat is spread, how long it’s contagious, and what you can do to reduce your risk for the condition. GAS bacteria can spread from person to person through contact with respiratory droplets from a person with strep throat. These droplets may be spread when a person with strep throat coughs or sneezes. If you’re exposed to these droplets and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you may contract strep throat. You may also get the infection if you:
If you’ve been infected with strep, it can take two to five days for you to develop symptoms. If you’ve been exposed to the bacteria, you can be contagious a few days before symptoms start. If you’re treated with antibiotics, you’ll remain contagious until you’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours. If you don’t seek treatment, you’ll remain contagious for 2 to 3 weeks after contracting the infection. Strep throat is most common in school-age children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 30 percent of children with a sore throat have strep throat. Only 10 percent of adults with a sore throat have strep throat. Adults who are frequently around school-age children have a higher risk of getting strep throat. Since strep throat is very contagious, being in crowded places, such as schools or daycare centers, can increase your risk of becoming sick. You can get strep throat at any time of the year, but it’s generally more prevalent in the late fall or early spring. Recurring infectionsEven if you’ve had strep throat before, you can get it again. Some children have recurring strep throat, contracting the disease multiple times in a year. In the case of recurring infections, your doctor may recommend tonsil removal to help decrease the frequency of strep throat infections. This procedure is called a tonsillectomy. However, you can still get strep throat even after your tonsils have been removed. If you suspect that you have strep throat, you should see your doctor in order to get tested and begin treatment. Penicillin or amoxicillin are typically used to treat strep throat. If you’re allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics can be used. Antibiotics may help you feel better faster. They can also shorten the amount of time that you’re contagious. Most people are no longer contagious after they’ve taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours. Be sure to finish your entire course of antibiotics, though (unless your doctor tells you otherwise). In addition to antibiotics, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help with your symptoms. If you receive antibiotic treatment for your strep throat, your illness may only last for one to three days. If left untreated, recovery will take longer, and your risk for developing complications will increase. Additionally, without treatment, you can still be contagious for several weeks, even after you stop feeling sick. Follow these tips to help prevent the spread of strep throat:
Medically Reviewed by Kumar Shital, DO on September 22, 2020 When someone around you has a sore, scratchy throat, try to keep your distance. It might be
strep throat. The bacteria that cause strep pass easily from person to person through close contact. Learn how to spot someone who may have strep so you can stay away. And practice good hygiene so you -- and children in your care -- can stay well. It’s caused by group A
Streptococcus bacteria. They also can create infections of the: Strep A bacteria normally live in your nose and mouth, and on your skin. Many people carry these microbes but don't get sick. Strep throat usually isn’t serious. But when it is left untreated, it can cause complications such as: Strep throat makes the rounds when someone who has the infection coughs or sneezes. Droplets filled with bacteria spray into the air. You can also catch strep when: When you get infected, you typically start to show symptoms about 2 to 5 days after you were exposed to the bacteria. You can stay contagious for up to a month if you don't get treated.
Antibiotics can prevent the infection from spreading. People who take antibiotics stop being contagious after about 24 hours. Strep throat often spreads in late fall and early spring, when children are in school. People 5 to 15 years old are most likely to get strep. But adults can get
it, too. People who have a weakened immune system have a higher chance of coming down with strep. This includes anyone who:
The best way to avoid strep is to stay away from anyone who looks or sounds sick. Signs can include: Try not to share any personal items with someone who is sick. This includes: Wash your hands and your children's hands often. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Always clean your hands
before you eat and after you use the bathroom. If you have strep, here are some things you or your child can do to avoid getting sick again: |
How long from strep exposure to symptoms
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