The month of February seems to be a busy one for strep throat. Over the past couple weeks, the number of positive strep tests at AdventHealth Centra Care locations have been on the rise. Strep is caused by a bacteria, unlike a typical sore throat, strep throat is most often remedied with prescription antibiotics. Most often, children between the ages of 5 and 15 experience strep throat, although anyone can develop the condition. The infection is easily spread by person-to-person contact with nasal secretions or saliva. It takes 2 – 5 days after being exposed to the bacteria that causes strep to experience symptoms. Symptoms of strep usually begin suddenly. The sore throat can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms including:
- Fever that begins suddenly
- Red throat, sometimes with white patches
- Headache
- General discomfort or ill feeling
- Loss of appetite
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Chills
Head to your closest Centra Care location if you think you or your child is showing symptoms of strep throat. A licensed medical provider can diagnose strep throat by examining you and conducting tests. Confirmed cases are treated with antibiotics to clear the bacteria and prevent further complications.
