Strep Throat Fact Sheet - Kent County, Michigan

General Public Fact SheetKent County Health DepartmentStrep Throat Fact SheetWhat is strep throat?Strep throat is an infection caused bybacteria. It is called “strep” because thebacterium that causes the infection isstreptococcus.How do you get strep throat?The infection is spread person to person. Itis spread through direct contact with mucusfrom the nose or throat of an infectedperson. It is also spread through the air bysneezing or coughing.What are the symptoms of strepthroat?Symptoms start one to five days afterexposure and include:• Fever• Sore throat• Tender and swollen neck glandsSometimes people with strep can develop ared rash all over the body that feels likesandpaper. When this happens, the illnessis called scarlet fever. Strep throat is NOTgenerally associated with cough, congestionor nasal drainage.People can also have the strep bacterium intheir throats but never feel sick.How is strep throat treated?Strep throat can be treated with antibiotics.The antibiotics will kill the bacteria whichhelps strep throat go away a little faster. Itcan also prevent a few rare but seriousconditions that people with strep throatmight get. It is important to take all of themedicine your doctor gives you even if youstart to feel better.Should all sore throats betreated with antibiotics?No. Not every sore throat is strep throat.Bacteria only cause about 5% to 10% ofsore throats. The rest are caused by virusesor other problems, and antibiotics will nothelp.What can I do to make a sorethroat feel better?• Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin,Nuprin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).Children and teens should not takeaspirin.• Gargle with warm salt water (1/4teaspoon of salt in eight ounces ofwarm water).• Adults and older children can suckon throat lozenges, hard candy orpieces of ice.• Eat soft foods, drink cool drinks orwarm liquids, or suck on Popsicles.Do I need to keep my childhome from school?Yes. Children with strep throat should notgo back to school or daycare until theirfever is gone, and they have taken anantibiotic for at least 24 hours.How can strep throat beprevented?• Cover your mouth when coughing orsneezing.• Wash your hands after wiping orblowing your nose, coughing andsneezing.• Wash your hands before making food.

Strep Throat Fact Sheet – page 2• Taking antibiotics to prevent you fromgetting strep throat is not indicated.This fact sheet is for information only and isnot meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as asubstitute for talking with a health careprovider. If you have any questions about strepthroat or think you may have it, call yourhealth care provider.©2004 Kent County Health Department700 Fuller Ave NEGrand Rapids, Michigan 49503616/632-7100www.accesskent.com