STREP A INFECTION

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throats.

If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.

Strep throat is most common in children, but it affects people of all ages. If you or your child has signs or symptoms of strep throat, see your doctor for prompt testing and treatment.

Symptoms

• Throat pain that usually comes on quickly

• Painful swallowing

• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus

• Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)

• Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck

• Fever

• Headache

• Rash

• Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children

• Body aches

CAUSES

Strep throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus.

Streptococcal bacteria are contagious. They can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks. You can also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose, mouth or eyes.

PREVENTION

To prevent strep infection:

• Wash your hands. Proper hand-washing is the best way to prevent all kinds of infections. That's why it's important to wash your own hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Teach your children how to wash their hands properly using soap and water or to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if there is no soap and water available.

• Cover your mouth. Teach your children to cover their mouths with an elbow or tissue when they cough or sneeze.

• Don't share personal items. Don't share drinking glasses or eating utensils. Wash dishes in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher

DM for your herbal medicine if you or your child has any of these signs and symptoms:

• A sore throat accompanied by tender, swollen lymph glands

• A sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours

• A fever

• A sore throat accompanied by a rash

• Problems breathing or swallowing