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Strep throat is contagious for about 2-3 weeks in individuals who do not take antibiotics. However, individuals who take antibiotics for strep throat usually are no longer contagious about 24 hours after initiating antibiotic therapy. The bacteria that cause strep throat can be transmitted person-to-person by direct contact, especially from mucus droplets from the mouth, and by indirect contacts, such as kissing and sharing utensils or drinking cups. What is strep throat?
If strep throat is treated with antibiotics, it is no longer contagious after 24 hours.
Strep Throat SymptomsSigns of infectionStreptococcus infection (strep throat) symptoms are related to the inflammation of the throat and surrounding tissues. Common symptoms of strep throat are
What are the signs and symptoms of strep throat?
The incubation period for strep throat varies about 1-5 days after exposure to the bacteria. If you develop a sore throat and a fever, you should consider the possibility that you may have strep throat, especially if another family member or a coworker has been diagnosed with the disease. The pattern of symptoms of strep throat include:
Some people with strep throat also may develop:
QUESTIONJust about any painful sore throat is caused by strep. See AnswerHow is strep throat spread?
Is there a test to diagnose strep?Strep throat is diagnosed by the medical history, physical examination of the throat, and a rapid strep test on a swab of the throat. The rapid strep test can be confirmed by a throat culture. However, most physicians will diagnose and begin treatment before a throat culture test is completed. You will receive the results of the test the same day. How do I know when I'm cured of the infection?
Health NewsIs strep throat serious? When should I call the doctor?If you suspect that you have strep throat, you should contact a doctor; however, it is more urgent if you have these symptoms and signs.
The major reason to seek medical care for strep throat is that if it goes untreated or is not appropriately treated, serious complications can develop, and include:
Early treatment of strep throat can help prevent these and other complications. IMAGESIs Strep Throat Contagious? See a picture of strep throat and other oral health conditions See ImagesMedically Reviewed on 5/13/2022 References Khan, ZZ. et al. "Group A Streptococcal Infections." Medscape. Updated: Sep 07, 2018. Are you contagious after 48 hours of antibiotics?You're usually no longer infectious 24 hours after starting a course of antibiotics, but this time period can sometimes vary. For example, the antibiotics may take longer to work if your body takes longer to absorb them, or if you're taking other medicine that interacts with the antibiotics.
When are you no longer contagious with strep throat?People with strep throat should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they no longer have a fever and have taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours. This will help prevent spreading the bacteria to others. Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of germs that cause strep throat and other infections.
Is 3 days of antibiotics enough for strep throat?Three to six days of oral antibiotics for children with streptococcal throat infection is a safe treatment with a comparable effect to the standard duration of 10 days of penicillin.
Can strep throat be spread through kissing after 24 hrs of antibiotics?You can pass strep throat to others until you've been taking antibiotics for 1 to 3 days. If you have strep throat, stay home until your fever is gone and you've been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours. Avoid kissing people or sharing eating utensils when you have strep throat.
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