Strep throat is a common bacterial infection affecting the throat and tonsils, caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. This infection often presents with a sudden, painful sore throat and fever. Unlike viral sore throats, which typically resolve on their own, strep throat necessitates antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics eliminate the bacteria, alleviate symptoms, reduce the risk of spreading the infection, and prevent more serious complications.
Initial Symptom Improvement
After starting antibiotic treatment for strep throat, individuals typically experience noticeable relief from symptoms within 24 to 48 hours. Antibiotics begin working quickly after the first dose, targeting the bacterial infection. Fever is often among the first symptoms to improve, resolving within 24 hours of beginning the medication. The sore throat, a prominent symptom, also begins to feel better within 48 hours of consistent antibiotic use. While initial improvement can be rapid, full recovery from strep throat usually extends over a period of 7 to 10 days.
Importance of Completing the Full Course
It is important to complete the entire prescribed course of antibiotics, even if symptoms have significantly improved or disappeared. Stopping medication early can lead to several undesirable outcomes, including the infection recurring if some bacteria survive and multiply. This also contributes to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria adapt and no longer respond to effective medications. Discontinuing antibiotics prematurely can increase the risk of serious complications that strep throat can cause, such as acute rheumatic fever (which may damage heart valves) and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (an inflammatory kidney condition). Completing the full course ensures the eradication of the bacteria, preventing these severe health consequences.
Contagiousness and When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Individuals with strep throat typically become non-contagious after approximately 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. This reduction in contagiousness allows many to return to school or work once a full day of antibiotics has been administered and fever has subsided. Adhering to this guideline helps prevent the spread of the infection within communities. Contacting a healthcare provider is important if symptoms do not improve within the expected timeframe, generally 48 hours after starting antibiotics. Medical advice should also be sought if symptoms worsen or if new concerns arise. These might include a fever that persists beyond two days, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or the development of a rash or dark-colored urine.