Strep Throat
Strep throat is a throat infection caused by strep bacteria. The bacteria
are spread by fluid droplets from the nose or throat of someone with
strep. This occurs most often during cold winter months when people
are together indoors. You can get a strep throat 2 to 7 days after being
around a person who has it.
Signs of a Strep Throat
• Fever above 100.5° F or 38° C
• Chills
• Throat pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Neck swelling
• Trouble breathing
• Body aches
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
The tonsils and the back of the throat may look red or swollen, and be
dotted with white or yellow spots of pus.
Some rare cases of strep infection may produce a toxin that causes a
bright red skin rash over your body. This rash is called scarlet fever.
Unless otherwise stated, user may print or download information from www.healthinfotranslations.org for personal, non-commercial use only. The medical information
found on this website should not be used in place of a consultation with your doctor or other health care provider. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or
other qualified health care provider before you start or stop any treatment or with any questions you may have about a medical condition. The Ohio State University
Medical Center, Mount Carmel Health System, OhioHealth and Nationwide Children’s Hospital are not responsible for injuries or damages you may incur as a result of
your stopping medical treatment or your failure to obtain medical treatment.
2
Your Care
If you have signs of strep throat, see your doctor. 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 to
check for strep bacteria. Results are often ready within 10 minutes.
If your test shows you have strep throat, you will be treated with
antibiotic medicine. This can be given as a one-time shot or as pills to be
taken at home. You must take all of the pills as ordered.
• You may return to work or school after 24 hours of antibiotic
treatment and when you no longer have a fever.
• Replace your toothbrush after you have taken the antibiotics for 24
hours.
• Drink a lot of liquids.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air.
• Take your temperature at least one time each day, and treat a fever as
your doctor orders.
• Do not share glasses or cups, eat off of other people’s plates, or share
other people’s food.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
Call your doctor if your signs do not improve or if someone else in your
family gets signs of strep throat.
Unless otherwise stated, user may print or download information from www.healthinfotranslations.org for personal, non-commercial use only. The medical information
found on this website should not be used in place of a consultation with your doctor or other health care provider. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or
other qualified health care provider before you start or stop any treatment or with any questions you may have about a medical condition. The Ohio State University
Medical Center, Mount Carmel Health System, OhioHealth and Nationwide Children’s Hospital are not responsible for injuries or damages you may incur as a result of
your stopping medical treatment or your failure to obtain medical treatment.