Patient First reports increase in strep throat cases

Patient First says its regional providers have recently seen an increase in strep throat cases and visits for sore throats, prompting the health system to remind families about symptoms, testing and prevention.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus. It spreads most often through close contact and respiratory droplets, and it is most common among children ages 5 to 15. Symptoms generally begin two to five days after exposure and may include a suddenly sore throat, fever, pain when swallowing, red or swollen tonsils (sometimes with white spots), swollen lymph nodes in the neck, small discolored spots on the roof of the mouth, headache, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain. A rash can indicate scarlet fever.

Viruses cause most sore throats. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that strep causes about one in 10 sore throats in adults and three in 10 among children. Cough, runny nose, a raspy voice or pink eye are more consistent with a viral infection.

Health care providers can use a rapid strep test or throat culture to diagnose strep. The CDC recommends a follow-up culture after a negative rapid test for symptomatic children age three and older; follow-up cultures generally are not needed for adults. Confirmed strep is treated with antibiotics, which can shorten symptoms, reduce transmission and lower the risk of complications. Those complications can include abscesses around the tonsils, ear or sinus infections, kidney disease and rheumatic fever.

Patient First advises people with concerning symptoms to seek medical evaluation and to avoid sharing food, drinks or utensils. Hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes can reduce spread. People diagnosed with strep should remain home until they are fever free and have taken antibiotics for at least 12 to 24 hours, according to the CDC.

Learn more about strep throat from the CDC and Patient First.