Step throat is the infection of tonsils and throat. This is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus bacteria. Though, this is often observed in teenagers and children, people of any age can suffer from this condition. Generally, this lasts for few weeks. Most people always get confused between strep throat and sore throat. The main difference between sore throat and strep throat is that strep throat is due to bacterial infection where as sore throat is due to virus.
Symptoms of Strep Throat:
Red spots on backside of throat or red throat are prominent strep throat symptoms. Other symptoms include nausea, difficulty while swallowing food or fluids, fever, etc. Strep throat symptoms are alike to the sore throat symptoms, hence one must consult health care provider to identify the cause of the symptoms. Usually, strep throat is seen in adults having weak immune system.
Is Strep Throat Contagious?
Strep throat is the major concern for most people. Yes, it is contagious, that is, it may spread from one person to the other. Shaking hands, coming in contact with the infected person and utilizing his personal things causes strep throat to spread. Incubation period for strep throat varies from an indiviual to individual. Generally, it lasts for three days, it may go up to five days also.
Most people worry about the strep throat period for contagiousness. This condition is until the infected person takes antibiotics. Though, the period of contagiousness is long for strep throat, once an individual suffering from strep throat takes antibiotics, within 24 hours it stops being contagious. If person suffering this condition does not get treated immediately, it remains contagious for several days. It can be contagious even for 2 – 3 weeks in such cases. If the symptoms are left untreated, there may be serious complications. Hence, it is important to seek doctor’s advice and get diagnosed as well as treated.
