What to Do During Strep Throat Season
Strep throat is a bacterial infection which causes your throat to feel extremely scratchy and sore. This infection, which is common in children, but adults suffer from this as well, can make swallowing a very painful process. Depending on the time of year, viruses or allergies can be to blamed for the discomfort in your throat and you may not have contracted Strep. However, it is very important to be able to determine when another health issue, like strep throat, is the culprit.
An immediate visit to your doctor is recommended if you have the following symptoms:
difficulty breathing or swallowing
a prolonged sore throat (more than 48 hours)
a sore throat and a fever
a sore throat and a rash
a sore throat and swollen/sensitive lymph glands
a sore throat and white spots lining the interior rear of the mouth
Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry and to visit one of the ENT specialists at Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates. Strep throat can lead to additional health concerns if not treated properly.
Is This Condition Contagious?
Strep throat is very contagious. Group A Streptococcus bacteria, which causes the infection, can spread from the infected person to others. When the infected person sneezes or coughs, respiratory droplets containing the bacteria become airborne. Through inhalation or ingestion of these droplets, others can become ill. It is also possible to become ill simply through sharing the same glass or eating off of the same plate as the infected person.
If you suspect you have strep throat, you should contact your ENT doctor immediately for an appointment to ensure you are not spreading the bacteria to others.
In persistent or recurring instances, removing the tonsils may be the solution. Please consult with your physician at Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates if you are experiencing these symptoms as additionally testing may be required to determine the underlying issues of discomfort. Our experienced team of medical professionals will provide the proper examination and testing to determine if you have fallen ill with strep throat.