Nobody wants to suddenly come down with severe throat pain — especially not when that scratchy, sore throat accompanies a fever, swollen tonsils, and white or yellow spots on the back of the throat. The major symptoms of strep throat can occur suddenly, sometimes even alongside less common strep symptoms like a strep rash, vomiting…
Nobody wants to suddenly come down with severe throat pain — especially not when that scratchy, sore throat accompanies a fever, swollen tonsils, and white or yellow spots on the back of the throat. The major symptoms of strep throat can occur suddenly, sometimes even alongside less common strep symptoms like a strep rash, vomiting, a loss of appetite and/or body aches. When they strike, a person typically feels pretty miserable. Though beyond pursuing an awareness of the signs of strep throat and a plan of action for strep throat treatment, what else can you do? How do you prevent strep throat in adults? What is strep throat to begin with, anyway?
To help answer these questions, you have to start with what causes strep throat. With that in mind, here are five things to know:
1. What is Strep Throat
Strep is a contagious bacterial infection that occurs in the throat and the tonsils, caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. Individuals who come down with strep deal with irritated, inflamed throats that are typically brought on quickly.
2. Strep Throat Risk Factors
Because it is a contagious illness, one of the most common ways to get strep is by being around someone else who has it. All it takes is for there to be an infected individual near you who is breathing, coughing, sneezing and so on in your proximity, in order for you to start inhaling the strep bacteria, too. Once you’ve come into contact with the bacteria, you can show symptoms in just two to five days. For this reason, always avoid sharing food, drinks or utensils with someone who’s infected. Likewise, wash your hands often when you’re exposed to someone who’s sick. Support your body’s immune system by getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of water and eating well.
3. Strep Throat Symptoms
While signs of strep throat vary from individual to individual, here are some of the most common strep symptoms to expect if you’ve come down with the illness:
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Sudden, strong sore throat pain
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Difficulty swallowing
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Swollen tonsils
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Fever that’s higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius)
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White or yellow spots at the back of the throat
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Headache
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Belly pain
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Red skin rash
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Lack of appetite
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Vomiting
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Body aches
4. Home Remedies for Strep
Helping your body fight a strep infection means helping your body be as strong, healthy and well-rested as possible. Likewise, there are various homeopathic remedies on the market today that some have found to be helpful.
5. Strep Throat Treatment
Any time your symptoms feel severe and/or last more than a week, however, you need to call a doctor. At AAYU Clinics – Lakeview Immediate Care, we’ll run some tests, which will probably include a quick throat culture. Our physicians and specialists provide safe treatment options — such as prescribing effective antibiotics to help alleviate strep throat symptoms — to get you on the road to recovery.
To learn more about causes, symptoms and signs of strep throat, come to AAYU Clinics – Lakeview Immediate Care. Our adhd testing clinics is open 365 days a year providing urgent care right when you need it. If you or someone you love is dealing with the symptoms of strep throat, we’re here to help. Drop In or Set Up an Appointment by calling 773-245-5010 today!
