Strep throat is a common bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS). This infection primarily affects the throat and tonsils, leading to a sore and scratchy sensation. Sharing drinks can indeed transmit strep throat, as the bacteria can spread through saliva and respiratory droplets.
How Strep Throat Spreads
Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria are highly contagious. The primary way these bacteria transmit is through airborne respiratory droplets. When an infected individual coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings, tiny droplets containing the bacteria are released into the air and can be inhaled by others. Transmission also occurs through direct contact with an infected person’s oral or nasal secretions. The bacteria can reside in traces of saliva or nasal discharge, making close personal contact a common route of spread.
Sharing Drinks and Other Contagion Risks
Sharing drinks, including cups, bottles, or straws, can transmit strep throat. This occurs when saliva and respiratory droplets from an infected person transfer to the shared item, allowing another person to ingest the bacteria. The risk extends to other similar direct contact activities, such as sharing eating utensils or food. Kissing an infected person also allows for the exchange of respiratory secretions. Indirect contact can also occur if someone touches contaminated surfaces like doorknobs or toys and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes. The bacteria can survive on dry surfaces for varying periods, from hours to potentially months; for instance, Streptococcus pyogenes has been found to survive for many hours on human hands, books, and both hard and soft toys.
Recognizing and Addressing Strep Throat
Symptoms
Recognizing strep throat involves observing several common symptoms. These can include a sudden and severe sore throat, pain when swallowing, and a fever that may reach 101°F or higher. The tonsils may appear red and swollen, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus, and tiny red spots, called petechiae, might be visible on the roof of the mouth. Headaches, body aches, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting are also possible, particularly in children. Unlike a viral sore throat, strep throat typically does not cause a cough. If these symptoms appear, seeking professional diagnosis is important.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of strep throat involves a rapid strep test or a throat culture. A healthcare provider takes a swab sample from the back of the throat and tonsils. The rapid antigen detection test (RADT) provides quick results, often within minutes, by detecting bacterial antigens. If the rapid test is negative but strep is still suspected, a throat culture may be performed, which involves growing the bacteria in a lab and can take up to two days for results.
Treatment
Strep throat is treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin. These medications reduce symptom severity and duration, minimize complications, and prevent infection spread. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared and to prevent serious complications like rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart.
Prevention
Preventing the spread of strep throat involves several practical measures. Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is highly effective. Avoiding sharing personal items like drinking glasses, eating utensils, and food is also recommended. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into the elbow, rather than hands, helps contain respiratory droplets. Staying home from school or work until fever-free and after at least 24 hours on antibiotics can further limit transmission.