Strep throat is very common among kids and adults. No matter the season, you are always susceptible to getting strep throat. This is why it is so important that people know what strep throat is, what to look for, and how to treat it. Here are some of things you need to know.

What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is caused from bacteria called streptococcus. Streptococcus can cause a variety of problems and illnesses, but the group A streptococcus is usually the one that causes strep throat. Strep will attack the membranes in the throat and the tonsils so that they will swell and become inflamed. The infection usually affects teenagers, and older children but adults can get strep and even younger children can get it as well. Strep throat is incredibly contagious, which is why it is so important that if you suspect someone in your family has strep throat that you get it treated right away. If possible, try to keep them away from other individuals in the home and don't let them go to school or work. Even if you have been good about keeping the infected person separate, you should still be vigilant about looking for symptoms in others.

What Should You Look for to Determine If It Is Strep Throat?

Naturally with strep throat you would expect the individual to have a lot of pain in their throat. It will be hard to swallow and the throat will hurt and ache even when the person is doing nothing. Another common sign is a fever. Since the infection is pretty intense, the body usually will respond with a fever as the immune system tries to fight off the infection.

Lastly, some people get a rash with strep. It is not uncommon to see a rash on their back or torso.

What Should You Do to Treat Strep Throat?

The best thing you can do for strep is to take an antibiotic. In order to determine if it is strep throat, your doctor can do a simple and quick swab of the tonsils. Then they can culture it within minutes so that you can have the results before you leave the office. If you have strep, the doctor will start an antibiotic immediately.

Even if you are on the antibiotic, you should be sure that you are drinking lots of fluids and getting plenty of rest. You can even take some pain medication and anti-inflammatory while you wait for the antibiotic to heal the infection.

By understanding strep throat you can be prepared if you or a loved one becomes infected. For more information, go to a walk-in clinic like West Ocean City Injury & Illness Center.