Streptococcal pharyngitis is the medical term for strep throat. Strep throat is caused by infection with streptococci bacteria and is very different from the viral sore throat. Sore throat, fever and stomach pain, along with red and swollen tonsils could be possible symptoms for strep throat. It could be cured with proper medical care which would be along with the treatment with antibiotics. Strep throat usually requires the patient to have plenty of rest and the diet would surely include a lot of fluids. Strep throat is a contagious disease. It could pass from person to person. Coughing, sneezing, or shaking hands could easily spread the infection. It usually does not spread from dried bacteria, the moist bacteria might spread it and is infectious. Strep throat usually comes suddenly with severe pain in the throat which could make talking or swallowing food really painful. Very rarely, contaminated food can result in outbreaks. Milk and milk products usually are prone to outbreaks.
There are different symptoms to identify strep throat. Symptoms include red and white patches in the throat, swollen glands on the sides of the neck, red tonsils, headache, stomach pain, fever. Usually rash appear and one feels very weak and sick with a loss of appetite and nausea. When any of the above symptoms prevail, It is necessary to take a rapid Strep test from a doctor. Usually it just takes a throat swab test to find out. Swab test is taken from the back of the throat using the sample of fluids taken from there. Throat culture also is taken if the swab test in not enough and the results are usually got in 2 days. Lack of proper treatment would result in serious complications and therefore its necessary to recognize and treat the infection early.
To control the transmission of the infection, it is necessary to take certain precautions like washing dishes hot and soapy water after use. Sharing personal things like food, drinks, handkerchiefs, towels, napkins or any other should be avoided to the maximum extent. Covering the mouth when sneezing would obviously prevent the fluid droplets to have a contact with another person. Washing hands often when affected with cold or stuffed nose is essential. Aerated drinks should not be consumed as they disturb the throat mostly. Warm fluids like soups and tea could be really helpful. Any juices made from citrus fruits should be avoided as they are acidic in nature. Cool liquids especially with water and ginger are the best medicine. Self medication should not be done and its necessary to go to the doctor. Otherwise it may worsen the situation.