Strept ThroatStrept throat, or strep throat, is a bacterial infection in the throat, caused by a group of bacteria, A Streptococcus bacteria. Strep can be confused with swine flu or other illnesses with sore throat as a symptom, because, unless your doctor does a test, it's difficult to distinguish one illness from another.
Officially known as streptococcal pharyngitis, strep throat attacks the mucous membranes that line the throat. Sometimes it also affects the tonsils, in which case it is known as tonsillitis.
Photo courtesy of badlyricpolice The main symptom of strep is a sore throat, and, since many illnesses, including H1N1 swine flu, have sore throat as a symptom, it is easy to mistake one for the other. If you suspect that you have strep, your doctor can do what is known as a rapid strep test. If the test is positive, you do have strep throat. However, if the test is negative, and you have strep throat symptoms, your physician may order a throat culture to see if strept bacteria grow in a culture. He will take a saliva sample and place it in a cup or culture to see if strep bacteria grown in the culture. It will take several days until the results of the throat culture are known. If bacteria appear, you have streptococcal pharyngitis. About 5-10% of all sore throats end up being strept throat. Most sore throats are actually caused by a virus, and not the A Streptococcus bacteria. When Do People Get Strep Throat?Just like seasonal flu , strep throat also has a season. In the northern hemisphere, people usually get strep between November and April—corresponding with the seasonal flu season.While anyone can get strep, it is most common among school-age children, and is probably passed from one to the other during school sessions. The strep throat incubation period is 2 to 5 days. People who smoke, those who are run down or fatigued, and people who live in damp, crowded conditions are the ones who are most likely to get this bacterial infection. Children under two and adults that don't come into contact with children are less likely to contract it. If you know someone who has this bacterial infection, you should take precautions, as it can be very contagious. Make sure you know what symptoms of strep throat look like, and, if you develop symptoms, it's wise to see your doctor.
Untreated strept throat And remember, if your symptoms appear during a time that is not your seasonal flu season, you very well may have something like the pandemic flu. If you would like to ask a doctor a question, you might consider
doctors online advice
. You will get an answer from a legitimate physician--LIVE--usually within minutes. It might give you peace of mind! More Information on Strep Throat
|
