Strep throat is a painful bacterial infection of the throat area that can be extremely contagious. Bacteria are often spread between children at schools and daycare centers. A strep throat carrier is an individual who has the step throat infection. This individual typically remains contagious for 24 hours after beginning an antibiotics treatment.
A strep throat carrier can pass these bacteria through exchanging bodily fluids. This includes drinking, kissing, or sneezing on another individual. If a person suspects he has strep throat, he should seek medical attention. Most doctors have a quick strep test that can detect strep throat within a few minutes. Once detected, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics that will kill the bacteria within a few days.
It is often difficult to determine if a sore throat is strep throat. The most obvious sign is fever. An infected individual typically has a fever greater then 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). If an individual has symptoms of sore throat with a high fever he may be a carrier of strep throat.
Strep throat is most common in children. This can typically be linked to hygiene habits and exposure to infected children. If a strep throat carrier places a toy in his mouth, the toy becomes infected. The next child who plays with the toy will typically extract the germs with his hands, which passes of the infection.
There are many over-the-counter medicines available for sore throats. These medicines treat the pain of a sore throat but do not kill the infection. Most individuals who suffer from strep throat will find the over-the-counter medicines ineffective. This is because the infection causes more pain than a standard throat irritation.
Some children are extremely susceptible to throat infections. This typically leads to tonsillitis. If a child has continued throat infections, most doctors will recommend removing the tonsils. This will reduce the likelihood of future infections in the throat area.
Today, with the common flu pandemics and infections common in public places, many people use hand sanitizers. This is a hand-washing product that is based on anti-bacterial soap. Hand sanitizers can be purchased in small packages, which makes them easy to keep in automobiles, backpacks, or work desks.
Strep throat can be contracted from touching objects that have been infected by a strep throat carrier. This includes desks, books, bathrooms doors, or public transportation doors and handles. A strong focus on oral hygiene is the best deterrent for strep throat.