Strep throat is a common bacterial infection primarily affecting the throat and tonsils. Caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes), it leads to significant discomfort. Symptoms include inflammation and a sore throat, often making daily activities challenging. While anyone can contract strep throat, it is particularly prevalent among children aged 5 to 15.
Kissing and Strep Throat Transmission
Strep throat can be transmitted through kissing. The bacteria, Streptococcus pyogenes, primarily reside in the nose and throat of an infected individual. When an infected person kisses another, respiratory secretions containing these bacteria can be directly exchanged. This close physical contact directly transmits the bacteria. The risk is higher when the infected person has symptoms, though asymptomatic carriers can also spread it.
Other Ways Strep Throat Spreads
Beyond direct contact like kissing, strep throat is highly contagious and spreads through other routes. The bacteria transmit through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings. Others can become infected by inhaling these droplets. Indirect transmission occurs when individuals touch contaminated surfaces, like doorknobs or tables, and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes. Sharing personal items, including eating utensils, drinking glasses, or toothbrushes, with an infected person is another common way the bacteria spreads.
Recognizing Strep Throat
Symptoms typically manifest two to five days following exposure. A sudden, intense sore throat is a hallmark symptom, often making swallowing painful. A fever, which can appear rapidly and often peaks on the second day, is a common indicator. Upon examination, tonsils may appear red and swollen, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus. Small red spots, known as petechiae, can be observed on the roof of the mouth.
Additional symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting (more frequently in children), stomach pain, chills, and body aches.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves a visit to a healthcare provider. They usually perform a rapid strep test or a throat culture, both requiring a swab of the back of the throat and tonsils. Rapid tests yield results within minutes, while throat cultures may take up to two days but can detect infections rapid tests might miss. Accurate diagnosis distinguishes strep throat from viral infections, as only bacterial infections respond to antibiotics.
Treatment
Antibiotics are the primary treatment, with penicillin or amoxicillin commonly prescribed. Starting antibiotic treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset can reduce symptom severity and duration, and limit infection spread. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the bacteria are fully eliminated and to prevent serious complications like rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.
Most individuals experience symptom improvement within one to two days of beginning treatment.
Prevention
Preventing spread involves several practical measures. Frequent, thorough handwashing with soap and water reduces transmission. Avoid sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, and other personal items. Sick individuals should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a tissue or elbow.
To minimize transmission, avoid close contact, including kissing, with anyone who has strep throat. An infected person is no longer contagious after being on antibiotics for at least 24 to 48 hours and being fever-free.