Strep throat, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes (also known as Group A Streptococcus), is a common bacterial infection, particularly prevalent among school-aged children. It often raises concern for parents about contracting the infection from their child.
How Strep Throat Spreads
Streptococcus pyogenes primarily spreads through airborne respiratory droplets. These droplets are released into the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. Others can become infected by inhaling these droplets.
Infection also occurs when these droplets land on surfaces, which are then touched by hands. If those hands touch the mouth, nose, or eyes, the bacteria can enter the body. Direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as sharing food or drinks, also spreads it.
Reducing Your Risk of Infection
Good hand hygiene minimizes the risk of strep throat transmission. Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is advised, especially after contact with a sick child or their personal items. If soap and water are unavailable, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can serve as a temporary alternative.
Avoiding the sharing of personal items is also an important preventive measure. This includes not sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, food, and personal hygiene items like towels or toothbrushes. These items can transfer bacteria from one person to another.
Regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces within the home can help reduce bacterial presence. Doorknobs, light switches, toys, and remote controls are examples of surfaces where bacteria can linger. Encouraging proper cough and sneeze etiquette, such as covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or into the elbow, helps contain respiratory droplets.
Minimizing close face-to-face contact with the infected child, particularly during their most contagious period, is important. Ensuring good air circulation within the home by opening windows or using ventilation systems helps disperse airborne droplets. These collective actions help create a less conducive environment for bacterial spread.
Recognizing Strep Throat in Adults
Adults with strep throat experience a sudden and severe sore throat, often accompanied by pain when swallowing. Fever is also a symptom, sometimes reaching 101°F (38.3°C) or higher. The tonsils appear red and swollen, and white patches or streaks of pus are sometimes visible.
Other indicators include tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, known as petechiae, headache, and body aches. A red, sandpaper-like rash, known as scarlet fever, can also develop, often starting on the neck and chest before spreading. Due to symptom overlap with viral infections, professional diagnosis through a rapid strep test or throat culture is important.
Prompt antibiotic treatment is prescribed to shorten the duration of illness, reduce the likelihood of spreading the infection to others, and prevent potential complications. Untreated strep throat can lead to more serious health issues, such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.