Is Strep Throat Contagious?

Is strep throat contagious? Absolutely. In fact, strep throat is a highly contagious infection of the throat and tonsils. Strep throat is caused when the throat and tonsils are infected with the Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat is contagious up to 24 hours after a prescription antibiotic is taken. If left untreated, strep throat can remain contagious, even after the symptoms have disappeared.

Strep Throat Symptoms
The symptoms of strep throat are numerous. However, these symptoms can also be a sign of other infections. Always visit a doctor for a strep throat test or throat culture to properly diagnose the problem. Never assume you have strep throat and try to treat it yourself.

• A sore throat can be a common symptom of strep throat.
• Nausea and loss of appetite can be symptoms of strep throat.
• A sudden and high fever can be a symptom of strep throat.
• A red throat and tonsils can be a symptom of strep throat.
• Swollen lymph nodes can be a symptom of strep throat.
• A rash can be a rare symptom of strep throat.

Strep Throat Remedies
There is no cure for strep throat other than time. Antibiotics can be prescribed if the infection is caught early enough. However, these antibiotics are aimed at preventing you from being contagious, not at speeding your recovery. So the best remedy for strep throat is treatment of the symptoms.

• The most bothersome symptom of strep throat tends to be a dry and scratchy throat. Since it is the most bothersome, it also tends to be the symptom most people want to remedy. Anything that soothes the throat will help ease the soreness. Three great remedies for a sore throat are; using an anesthetic throat spray, slowly sucking on a popsicle or drinking hot tea with lemon and honey.
• The fever associated with strep throat can be a bothersome symptom. To help reduce fever, your doctor may recommend an over-the counter medication, such as acetaminophen.