Strep throat is a common bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS). This highly contagious bacterium spreads primarily through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The droplets can be inhaled directly or transferred when someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their own mouth or nose.
Daily Personal Hygiene Measures
The most impactful action an individual can take is frequent and proper handwashing using soap and water. Hands should be lathered for at least 20 seconds, ensuring that all surfaces, including the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails, are thoroughly scrubbed before rinsing. This practice is especially important before eating and after coughing, sneezing, or touching one’s face. If soap and water are unavailable, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used as an alternative to reduce the bacterial load.
Another measure is strict respiratory etiquette, which means using a tissue to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and immediately disposing of the used tissue. If a tissue is not immediately accessible, individuals should cough or sneeze into their upper sleeve or elbow rather than into their hands.
Managing Shared Spaces and Exposure
The Group A Strep bacteria can live on frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, toys, and countertops. Regular cleaning and disinfection of these high-contact areas can significantly reduce the potential for indirect transmission.
It is important to avoid sharing personal items such as drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, or food with others. In a household where someone is infected, any dishes or utensils used by the sick person should be washed thoroughly in hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
An infected individual must isolate themselves by staying home from work, school, or daycare until they meet specific criteria. These criteria require the person to have been fever-free and taking an appropriate antibiotic for at least 24 hours, as this marks the point when they are no longer considered contagious.
Current Status of Vaccines and Medical Prevention
Currently, no commercially available vaccine protects against Group A Streptococcus infection. Developing a GAS vaccine is complex due to the wide variety of strains and historical concerns over potential autoimmune reactions. Despite these challenges, researchers are actively working on several vaccine candidates, including multivalent M protein-based vaccines, with some already having undergone preliminary clinical trials in adults.
Antibiotics are the standard treatment for diagnosed strep throat but are not recommended as a general preventative measure. Prophylactic antibiotics are reserved for a specific, high-risk group. These are patients who have previously suffered from rheumatic fever, where long-term antibiotic therapy prevents recurrent strep infections that could lead to heart valve damage.