Strep Throat

 

Throat can be infected by bacteria or virus. It is normally painful when swallowing. However, only the infection cause by streptococcal bacteria is called Strep throat. It is a sudden inflammation of the throat and tonsils and may be accompanied with moderate to high fever.

 

A viral infection would cause cold like symptoms where as strep throat infection affects just the throat.

 

Strep throat is cause by bacteria which can spread to person to person and therefore it falls in the category of contagious infections. A person with strep throat infection should cover the mouth while coughing or sneezing. When the bacteria is passed on to another person, he/she may not show signs of an infection untill a few days.

 

Since it is a bacterial infection, strep throat is treated with antibiotic medicines which infact are not very effective in eliminating the infection quickly but do however, help to contain its spread to other people or other parts of the body. Strep throat infection dies by itself in about 5 - 8 days.

 

One can also use over the counter medicines to ease the pain. There are many over the counter throat soothing lozenges available  to provide some relief to the throat.

 

Bacteria cannot live in humid environments. Therefore if one drinks warm water several times a day, it helps to provide relief to the throat and also contains the spread of the bacteria. Some people use honey as a natural medicine to treat strep throat infection.

 

Just like with all other infections, one should take precautions to prevent its spread. Washing hands as often as possible with warm water and soap is recommended. A person with strep throat should try not to come in contact with other people in the home. Door knobs and table surfaces should be disinfected using some kind of antibacterial cleaner till after a week even if the person with strep throat has recovered completely.