The signs and symptoms of strep throat are red, sore throat with white patches on tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, fever over 101 Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), and headache. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominalpain are more common in children. Cough is infrequent in older patients, but younger children may experience cold-like symptoms including stuffy noses and sneezing similar to many viral infections. Also, it is common to have extreme shivers/shaking and cold sweats.
Transmission
The illness is caused by the bacteriumStreptococcus pyogenes and is spread by direct, close contact with patients via respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing). Casual contact rarely results in transmission. Rarely, contaminated food, especially milk and milk products, can result in outbreaks. Untreated patients are most infectious for 2-3 weeks after onset of infection. The Incubation period, the period after exposure and before symptoms show up, is difficult to establish as some people don't become symptomatic. However, it is thought to be about 1 week.
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eMedicine Health - Strep Throat - Factsheet with cause, symptoms, diagnosis, complications, prognosis, treatment, and prevention.
Meta Description: [ Read about strep throat, a contagious disease caused by infection with streptococcal bacteria. Strep throat symptoms include fever, pain, redness, and swelling of the throat and tonsils on eMedicineHealth.com ]
Group A Strep - DrGreene.com - Information and advice to the common childhood illness, strep throat.
Meta Description: [ Most Group A Streptococcal infections are of short duration and relatively mild, but sometimes they are rapidly progressing, even life-threatening infections. The seriousness of the infection depends on the underlying health of the child. ]
Kidshealth: Strep Throat and other Group A Streptococci Infections - Features cause symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and prevention.
Meta Description: [ Strep throat is an infection that's very common among kids and teens. With the proper medical care, along with plenty of rest and fluids, your child should be back to school and play within a few days. ]
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Meta Description: [ Strep throat — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment in children and adults. ]
Parent Center - Strep Throat - Questions and answers on when to see the doctor, how to diagnosis, treatments, and tips for relieving the pain of children with strep throat.
Strep Throat Fact Sheet: Medicine Net - A medical fact sheet about Strep Throat.
Meta Description: [ Strep throat is a bacterial throat infection of Streptococcus, or strep, that needs antibiotics for treatment. ]
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