Sore throats are really common, especially for children at school. Most of the time, they're caused by a virus, such as the common cold. Usually, they go away on their own within seven days.
Sometimes, though, a sore throat can be caused by bacteria. This condition is known as strep throat. It can be quite painful if left untreated.
According to The Kids Research Institute, around 8% to 12% of school-aged children have Strep A bacteria present in their throat at any one time. Therefore, it is important to know the difference between a sore throat and strep throat. The latter needs special treatment to make you feel better.
Important Note: This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. It is caused by a type of bacteria called Group A Streptococcus (often referred to as simply Group A Strep).
You can catch strep throat just by being around someone who has it when they cough, sneeze, or even talk. When this happens, tiny droplets containing the bacteria can float into the air. If you breathe them in or touch a surface they've landed on and then touch your face, you could get sick. (That's why hand washing is important!)
Anyone can contract strep throat, but it's most common in school-aged children and teenagers.
Strep throat symptoms can range from mild to quite severe. They include the following:
It's interesting to note that people with strep throat usually don't have a cough or runny nose. However, those symptoms are common among those suffering from viral colds.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, you might find it beneficial to arrange a consultation with an AHPRA-Registered Partner Doctor.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection. If strep throat is confirmed (or strongly suspected), a clinician may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics can shorten symptoms a little, reduce spread, and help prevent rare complications.
Even if you start feeling better after a day or two of taking the antibiotics, you must finish the entire course exactly as prescribed. If you stop too early, some bacteria might still be around. Therefore, the strep throat infection could come back, or you might increase the risk of complications occurring.
If you have contracted the condition, it is important to have strep throat treated. Not doing so opens you up to the risk of succumbing to more serious health problems.
One is rheumatic fever. This is a serious illness that can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin. While it is less common in developed countries like Australia, it's nonetheless still a risk. Another is kidney inflammation, which could potentially lead to permanent damage.
If you or your child is suffering from strep throat, Updoc can help. We can provide you with 24/7 online telehealth consultations with an AHPRA-Registered Partner Doctor.
This is particularly useful if you live in a remote area where the nearest clinic is hours away. You may also want to use our service if your local medical facility is currently closed or you don’t feel well enough to physically see a doctor.
Users can submit a request from anywhere in Australia 24/7. They can also speak with an AHPRA-Registered Partner Doctor over the phone. Or consult with a Partner Doctor about:
The service is 100% online and offers confidential and discreet consultations with real Australian pharmacists and practitioners. Partner Doctors are also available online every day (including public holidays) between 6 am and midnight.
If you or your child is unfortunate enough to contract strep throat, you will likely be off work or school. Here are some home remedies that may aid your recovery and ease any pain or discomfort.
You might not be able to completely prevent yourself or your child from succumbing to strep throat. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting it. They include:
Seek urgent medical care now if you experience:
Contracting strep throat is no fun. So, it is worth your while to practise good hygiene and do all you can to prevent yourself from being infected.
If you do come down with a very sore throat, especially if you also have a fever and no cough, it's always a good idea to seek treatment.
Consulting with an AHPRA-Registered Partner Doctor can be your first step toward recovery. They can assess your needs and help you with your healthcare.
Best of all, you can do this online, without having to leave the comfort of your home. If approved and suitable, you can even get a prescription sent directly to your phone.
Some mild cases might. However, it's not recommended to leave strep throat untreated. Taking antibiotics will help you feel better much sooner.
Most importantly, it will also significantly reduce the risk of you or your child suffering from serious complications like rheumatic fever, which is a condition that can have devastating, long-lasting effects.
You should typically start to feel better within 24 to 48 hours of your first dose of strep throat antibiotics. Around this time, you may find that your fever goes down, and your throat pain starts to subside.
The biggest clue to whether you have strep throat is if your sore throat and fever are severe and have come on suddenly. It is also highly likely that you have this condition if your symptoms do not include a cough or runny nose. The best way to know for sure is to seek medical attention.
This information is for general knowledge and educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice as to when to see a doctor. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as your general practitioner (GP) or a specialist, for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Always follow the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.
© Updoc - All rights reserved
