Strep throat, a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus, is a common illness that affects people of all ages. It is highly contagious and can spread quickly through close contact with an infected person. The infection can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. In this article, we will explore the common symptoms of strep throat, including images of what to look out for.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strep throat is most common among children between the ages of 5 and 15, but it can also affect adults. The infection is usually spread through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. It can also be spread through close contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
Common Symptoms of Strep Throat
The symptoms of strep throat can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs to look out for. These include:
- Sore throat that comes on quickly
- Painful swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Small red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (petechiae)
- Fever, usually high (101-degrees or higher)
- Sudden onset of chills
Images of Strep Throat Symptoms
Here are some images of what strep throat symptoms may look like:
This image shows a throat with red and swollen tonsils, which is a common symptom of strep throat.
This image shows small red spots on the roof of the mouth, which is a sign of petechiae, a common symptom of strep throat.
Key Points
Key Points
- Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus.
- It is highly contagious and can spread quickly through close contact with an infected person.
- Common symptoms include sore throat, painful swallowing, and red and swollen tonsils.
- The infection can cause serious complications if left untreated.
- Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat strep throat.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Strep throat is usually diagnosed with a throat swab test, which involves swabbing the throat to collect a sample of cells. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for testing. If the test is positive, antibiotics will usually be prescribed to treat the infection.
It is essential to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication. This will help ensure that the infection is fully cleared and reduce the risk of complications.
Complications of Untreated Strep Throat
If left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious complications, such as:
- Kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis)
- Rheumatic fever
- Meningitis
- Sepsis
Prevention
While it is not always possible to prevent strep throat, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoid close contact with people who are infected
- Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated
| Symptom | Percentage of Patients |
|---|---|
| Sore throat | 80-90% |
| Painful swallowing | 70-80% |
| Red and swollen tonsils | 60-70% |
What are the most common symptoms of strep throat?
+The most common symptoms of strep throat include sore throat, painful swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, and small red spots on the roof of the mouth (petechiae).
How is strep throat diagnosed?
+Strep throat is usually diagnosed with a throat swab test, which involves swabbing the throat to collect a sample of cells. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for testing.
What are the complications of untreated strep throat?
+If left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious complications, such as kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis), rheumatic fever, meningitis, and sepsis.