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Is Strep Throat Contagious? Yes, Here's How It Spreads And Signs You May Have It
Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils. It is known to cause a sore or scratchy throat, as well as white patches on your tonsils.
Strep throat is highly contagious during the incubation period — the two to five days after you're infected and before symptoms appear. It stays contagious until your symptoms resolve, which can take up to seven days.
Here's what makes strep throat contagious and how to reduce the risk of spreading it.
How do you get strep throat?Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria.
This type of bacteria is commonly found in the throat and on the skin, but it doesn't necessarily cause an infection in everyone who has it, says Michael Devine, MD, an internal medicine doctor and geriatrician at Devine Concierge Medicine in Philadelphia.
"When a particularly virulent or aggressive strain of the bacteria is present, it is more likely to cause infection," Devine says. "These strains can be highly contagious."
Strep throat is spread through respiratory droplets, such as when an infected person sneezes or coughs. You can become infected by breathing in these droplets, or touching something with droplets on them, and then touching your nose or mouth.
Devine says the most common ways you can get strep throat are:
In addition, strep throat may be contagious when you're in close contact with someone who is infected for an extended period of time. And since there's no way of knowing how close or for how long it takes to become infected, Devine says that "any contact with someone who you know has strep throat should be limited or avoided altogether."
Anyone can get strep throat, but it is most common in children ages five to 15, where it accounts for 15% to 30% of all throat infections. One reason is that kids are more likely to put their hands in their mouths and are in closer contact with each other in school settings, says Nate Favini, MD, medical lead of Forward, a preventive primary care practice.
SymptomsOnce you're infected with strep throat bacteria, it usually takes about two to five days to develop symptoms.
According to the CDC, the signs of strep throat include:
If you suspect you have strep throat, your doctor can test for the presence of streptococcal antigens by swabbing your throat and testing the swab. Antigens are molecules that stimulate an immune response, and the presence of streptococcal antigens indicates you have strep throat. You can get the results from this test in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Viruses that cause the common cold can also cause a sore throat, but other symptoms of a cold — like a cough — are not common strep throat symptoms, Favini says.
If you're experiencing a cough or runny nose in addition to a sore throat, it might be due to a cold or flu virus, and not strep throat. Here's how to further differentiate your symptoms from other similar conditions, like the flu or mono:
How long is strep contagious?Strep throat is contagious both during the incubation period and until symptoms resolve. Once you've been exposed to strep throat, it takes about two to five days to develop symptoms, and you're contagious during this time, even if you don't yet realize you're sick. If untreated, strep throat symptoms can last and be contagious for about seven days, Devine says.
However, when treated with antibiotics, symptoms usually begin to improve within one to two days. It is important to finish the full course of antibiotics—even after you start feeling better, in order to fully eradicate the bacteria causing infection.
To prevent contagious spread, the CDC says that people with strep throat should stay home from work or school until they no longer have a fever, and have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
Learn more about how to treat strep throat with antibiotics and home remedies.
How to prevent the spread of strep throatThe best way to protect yourself from getting strep throat is to avoid contact with anyone who has the infection, Favini says.
Beyond that, practicing good hygiene can go a long way in keeping yourself healthy, especially in the winter and early spring when strep and other bacteria and viruses, like the flu, are circulating at higher levels than during the summer months.
Here's how to reduce contagious spread with good hygiene:
Pennsylvania Has More Cases Of Highly Contagious Whooping Cough Than Any Other State
Whooping cough is on the rise in the U.S., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says protection from its vaccine is waning.So far, there have been 14,599 reported cases this year.That's nearly five times higher than the number of cases at the same time last year, according to the CDC.There is an especially high number of pertussis cases in Pennsylvania: 2,008 so far this year.The CDC said that is higher than any other state.It's also 10 times the number of reported cases at this point last year in the commonwealth.Whooping cough symptoms, how it's spreadWhooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It's known for the "whoop" noise when someone gasps for air after a coughing fit.People with whooping cough spread the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others who then breathe in the bacteria. People with whooping cough are most contagious in the first two weeks after the cough begins.Treating whooping cough early with antibiotics may make the infection less serious. It can also help prevent spreading it to others.Because it's so contagious, antibiotics may also be recommended for people who have been exposed to someone with whooping cough. Antibiotics may prevent whooping cough if given before symptoms start.Whooping cough can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms at the beginning are often similar to the common cold and other respiratory illnesses. Whooping cough is often not suspected or diagnosed until the cough becomes severe or long-lasting. Babies and young children may not cough but may have difficulty breathing instead.Early symptoms, which can last for one to two weeks, include:Runny or stuffed-up noseLow-grade fever (less than 100.4°F)Mild, occasional coughPeople may develop coughing fits one to two weeks after the first symptoms start. These coughing fits can cause people to:Make a high-pitched "whoop" when they inhale after a coughing fitVomit during or after coughing fitsFeel very tired after the fit but usually seem well in-between fitsHave difficulty sleeping at nightStruggle to breatheBreak a ribVaccinesThe CDC said whooping cough vaccines, which also provide protection from diphtheria and tetanus, are the best way to protect against the illness and its complications.Babies and children younger than seven years old receive the DTaP vaccine, while older children and adults receive the Tdap vaccine. CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for all babies, children, preteens and adults, as well as during pregnancy.Adults who have never received the Tdap vaccine should get a dose, then get a booster dose at least every 10 years.
Whooping cough is on the rise in the U.S., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says protection from its vaccine is waning.
So far, there have been 14,599 reported cases this year.
That's nearly five times higher than the number of cases at the same time last year, according to the CDC.
There is an especially high number of pertussis cases in Pennsylvania: 2,008 so far this year.
The CDC said that is higher than any other state.
It's also 10 times the number of reported cases at this point last year in the commonwealth.
Whooping cough symptoms, how it's spreadWhooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It's known for the "whoop" noise when someone gasps for air after a coughing fit.
People with whooping cough spread the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others who then breathe in the bacteria. People with whooping cough are most contagious in the first two weeks after the cough begins.
Treating whooping cough early with antibiotics may make the infection less serious. It can also help prevent spreading it to others.
Because it's so contagious, antibiotics may also be recommended for people who have been exposed to someone with whooping cough. Antibiotics may prevent whooping cough if given before symptoms start.
Whooping cough can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms at the beginning are often similar to the common cold and other respiratory illnesses. Whooping cough is often not suspected or diagnosed until the cough becomes severe or long-lasting. Babies and young children may not cough but may have difficulty breathing instead.
Early symptoms, which can last for one to two weeks, include:
People may develop coughing fits one to two weeks after the first symptoms start. These coughing fits can cause people to:
The CDC said whooping cough vaccines, which also provide protection from diphtheria and tetanus, are the best way to protect against the illness and its complications.
Babies and children younger than seven years old receive the DTaP vaccine, while older children and adults receive the Tdap vaccine.
CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for all babies, children, preteens and adults, as well as during pregnancy.
Adults who have never received the Tdap vaccine should get a dose, then get a booster dose at least every 10 years.
Is Your Child Too Ill To Go To School? Here's Exactly When They Should Be In Class And When It's Vital To Keep Them Home
WHEN your child falls ill, it can be easy to assume they need to stay home from school.
But many parents might be keeping their kids away from the classroom unnecessarily.
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Just because a health condition is serious-sounding or contagious, it doesn't automatically mean they have to miss out.
And many illnesses that may be more severe are usually considered safe once the sufferer has started treatment.
England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, who is keen to tackle high levels of absenteeism, said: "We are aware that the Covid-19 pandemic may have caused some parents to feel less confident with assessing whether their child is well enough to be in school, so we have laid out some information which we hope you will find helpful.
"There is wide agreement among health professionals and educational professionals that school attendance is vital to the life chances of children and young people.
READ MORE ON CHILDREN'S HEALTH"Being in school improves health, wellbeing and socialisation throughout the life course; the greatest benefits come from children and young people attending school regularly.
"It is usually appropriate for parents and carers to send their children to school with mild respiratory illnesses, which includes general cold symptoms: a minor cough, runny nose or sore throat.
"However, children should not be sent to school if they have a temperature of 38C or above."
Here, we reveal exactly when it's safe for a child who is under the weather to go to school, and when it's vital they stay at home.
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Woman, 18, died after doctors 'failed to spot her tumours seven times' Coughs and coldsIt's usually safe to send your child to school with a minor cough or common cold, according to the NHS.
But they must stay home if they have a fever, and not return until it goes.
Little girl, 4, died of virus 'you've never heard of' days after doctors told her parents she 'just had a cold'Parents should also encourage their kids to throw away any used tissues and to wash their hands regularly.
Whooping coughAny child with a severe cough, such as pertussis, also known as whooping cough (which makes sufferers gasp for breath), must not go to class, the UKHSA warns.
They can return two days after starting antibiotic treatment, or 21 days from the onset of symptoms if not taking the medication.
High temperatureAnyone with a high temperature (above 38C) should remain at home until it comes down and they feel better.
Sore throatIf your little one complains of a sore throat, you might feel the need to keep them away from the classroom.
But the NHS and UKHSA say it is normally fine for them to attend, providing they don't have a fever.
ChickenpoxChildren with chickenpox must isolate until all blisters have crusted.
This is usually about five days after the spots first appeared, the NHS says.
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Children are likely to pick up bugs as they head back to school ConjunctivitisPerhaps surprisingly, there is no exclusion period for youngsters with conjunctivitis - an eye condition also known as red or pink eye.
However, mums and dads should get advice from a pharmacist, and encourage their kids not to rub their eyes and to wash their hands regularly.
Respiratory infectionsChildren with mild symptoms, such as a runny nose and a headache, who are otherwise well can continue going to class.
But if they have a high temperature and are clearly poorly, they must stay at home.
If a youngster tests positive for Covid-19, they should remain off school for three days.
FluChildren with flu should not go to school as they could infect their classmates, the NHS warns.
They must stay at home until they are fully recovered, official guidance states.
Diarrhoea and vomitingThere are many causes of diarrhoea and vomiting, from norovirus to parasites, but all require kids to be off sick.
It is usually safe to return to school or nursery 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
If a specific cause has been identified, such as E. Coli or Hepatitis A, different advice may apply. Speak to your GP or call 111.
Ear infectionEar infections often get better on their own, so it's not always necessary to see a doctor.
But if symptoms include a high temperature, or the pain is severe, children must stay at home until they're feeling better or their fever goes away.
How to keep kids safe this autumn and winter
WITH classrooms acting like Petri dishes for winter illnesses, children risk catching lots of nasty bugs as they head back to school this month.
But there are some simple ways to keep them as healthy as possible, experts say. The advice is to:
1. Teach good hygiene habits (e.G. Washing your hands, binning used tissues)
2. Keeping kids home when necessary (e.G. When they have a high temperature or diarrhoea)
3. Get children jabbed (childhood vaccine uptake against flu and other diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and polio has dropped, but it's not too late)
MeaslesMeasles is highly contagious so it is vital not to see other people when you have it.
The first symptoms usually include a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough, and red, sore and watery eyes.
Spots may then appear in the mouth, followed by a raised and blotchy rash.
Kids are considered too ill to go to school until four days after the onset of the rash.
After that, they can return when they are well enough.
ScabiesThere has been a rise in scabies cases over the last few years.
It is an itchy rash caused by mites, which spreads through close skin contact.
Immediate treatment is therefore essential before seeing other people.
Children can return to school or nursery after completing their first treatment, but household and close contacts also require treatment at the same time.
Scarlet feverIf your child has scarlet fever, they will need treatment with antibiotics from a GP, otherwise they will be infectious for two to three weeks.
Symptoms of the contagious infection usually start with a high temperature, sore throat and swollen neck glands, before a red rash that feels like sandpaper develops 12 to 48 hours later.
Your child can go back to school 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
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If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist, GP or call 111Credit: Getty TonsillitisTonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils at the back of the throat.
It may sound serious, but it doesn't usually require time off sick.
However, if children display a temperature above 38C, they should stay at home until it comes down and they feel better.
Head liceNits are every parent's nightmare.
Mums and dads spend hours trying to remove pesky lice from their children's heads to help stop the spread in schools.
But, "there's no need for children to stay off school or to wash laundry on a hot wash," the NHS says - just inform their teacher.
RingwormIf your child has ringworm, speak to a pharmacist (unless it's on their scalp, in which case you should see a GP).
But they are fine to attend school once they have started treatment for the fungal infection, which causes a scaly and sometimes itchy rash.
You should, however, let their teachers know that they have it.
Cold soresThere's no need to keep your child off school if they have a cold sore, the NHS says.
But it does urge parents to tell their children not to touch the blister, or to kiss anyone, or share cups or towels.
This is because they are contagious from the moment you first feel tingling to when it completely heals.
When to call 999
YOU should call 999 in life-threatening emergencies.
For children, this includes:
Source: NHS
MumpsMumps is most recognisable by the painful swellings it causes in the side of the face, often dubbed "hamster face".
The viral infection spreads very easily, so children with it cannot return to school until five days after the swelling first appeared.
It is also important to see a GP.
RubellaAlso called German measles, Rubella is a rare illness that causes a spotty rash.
It usually gets better within a week, but it can be serious so it is important to avoid the classroom until five days after the rash begins.
During this time, students must get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and take painkillers if uncomfortable.
ImpetigoImpetigo, a very contagious skin infection which causes red sores and blisters, requires treatment from a GP, usually in the form of antibiotics.
The NHS says it is important to keep children off school until all the sores have crusted over and healed, or for 48 hours after they start treatment.
They should also be encouraged to wash their hands regularly, and not to share towels and cups with their peers.
DiphtheriaDiphtheria is a rare infection that affects the nose and throat, and sometimes the skin.
Avoiding social contact when you have it is essential, as is getting treatment.
Family members of those affected must also stay at home until cleared by health officials.
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