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Strep Throat (Group A Streptococci)
Strep throat and pharyngitis are throat infections caused by Group A strep. The bacteria are spread through fluid droplets (sneezing or coughing) from someone with strep. This occurs most often during cold winter months when people are crowded together indoors. The time between being exposed to strep and getting an infection (incubation period) is about 2 to 7 days.
Signs and Symptoms These are some of the signs/symptoms that you may have with strep:
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Fever above 101 F (38.3C)
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Chills
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Severe throat pain
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Unable to swallow your saliva (spit)
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Difficulty swallowing food
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Swelling in your neck
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Difficulty breathing
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Body aches 
Loss of appetite
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Abdominal pain The tonsils and the back of the throat may look red, swollen, and dotted with white or yellow specks of pus. Some rare cases of strep infection may produce a toxin that causes a bright red skin rash. This rash is called “scarlet fever,” and usually lasts from the second to the sixth day of the strep throat infection.
Diagnosing Strep Throat
Your doctor will check the back of your throat for redness, swelling, and white or yellow spots. A rapid strep test may be done by swabbing the back of your throat and sending it to be checked for strep bacteria (culture). Results are often ready within 10 minutes.
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Treating Strep Throat
An antibiotic will be ordered by your doctor or nurse practitioner. This can be given as a one time shot or as pills to be taken at home. You must take all the pills as ordered. Discharge Care 
Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer often, especially after coughing or sneezing.
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You may return to work or school after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and when you no longer have a fever. 
Do not share glasses or cups or eat after others.
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Drink a lot of fluids. 
Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air.
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Do not smoke, or drink carbonated beverages or alcohol. These may increase your pain.
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Replace your toothbrush after you have taken the antibiotics for 24 hours.
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Take your temperature at least once a day, and treat a fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if someone else in your family comes down with the same symptoms.
Rev. 7/08, 3/11
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