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Public Health
Fact Sheet
Strep Throat
(Streptococcal Pharyngitis)
Public Health
Fact Sheet
What is “strep throat”? Strep throat is a type of sore throat that can occur when a person is infected by Group A Streptococcal (GAS) bacteria. Strep throat
infections can occur in one person more than once due to the fact that there are many different types of this bacteria. What are they symptoms of strep throat? Strep throat is characterized by a red, sore throat, often with white patches on the tonsils; swollen lymph glands in the neck, fever and
headache may also occur. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain may also occur in children. How are GAS bacteria spread? Streptococcal bacteria are spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and respiratory droplets containing the bacteria are spread to persons within a foot. Casual contact, such as sitting next to an infected person, rarely leads to infection. Transmission can also occur through contact with surfaces contaminated with GAS bacteria.
How long is a person able to spread strep GAS bacteria? An untreated person with an uncomplicated case can spread bacteria for as long as 10 to 21 days. With adequate antibiotic therapy,
the treated person is only contagious for 24 to 48 hours. For this reason, persons diagnosed with “strep throat” should rest at home
from work, school, or child care, until antibiotics have been taken for at least 24 hours and their symptoms have improved. Who gets strep throat?
Though anyone can get strep throat, it is unusual in children under three years of age. Strep throat occurs more often in children ages 6
to 12. It is less common after the age of 12 years.
When should a person seek medical attention for a “sore” throat? Persons with flu-like symptoms who feel worse after three or four days and persons with a “sore” throat and a fever (101°F for adults,
103°F for children) should seek medical attention. Anyone who develops strep throat-like symptoms while living in the same household with a person known to have strep throat should also consult with a medical professional. Symptoms of strep throat usually appear one
to three days after exposure to “strep throat” bacteria.
What is the treatment for strep throat?
Because strep throat is caused by a bacterium and not a virus, it is easily treated with antibiotics such as penicillin. It is VERY important
for all persons diagnosed with strep throat to take all of the prescribed antibiotic, even if they are feeling better before they have finished
their prescription. This will kill the strep bacteria and prevent complications or drug resistance.
What is the difference between a “sore” throat and strep throat?
Sore throats can be caused by many different viruses and bacterias, so it is difficult for even doctors to know the cause without
laboratory testing. A simple throat swab and laboratory test done by a healthcare professional can quickly tell if the sore throat is caused by the strep bacteria. Most “sore” throats don’t respond to antibiotics, and go away in a few days without treatment. However,
strep throat is different and may lead to rare but serious complications such as rheumatic fever if not treated with antibiotics.
What can be done to help prevent streptococcal infections? The spread of all types of GAS infection may be reduced by covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing followed by good hand hygiene. Hands should be washed with soap and water after coughing, sneezing, wiping a runny nose, and before preparing foods or eating. Alcohol-based hand gels may be used to decontaminate hands that are visibly clean.
OSDH 10/06
For further information call or visit us on the World Wide Web
Communicable Disease Division
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Phone (405) 271-4060
http://www.health.ok.gov/program/cdd/