Strep throat is a pharynx infection which can affect the tonsils, the pharynx, and the larynx. This form of pharyngitis could also be known as Streptococcal pharyngitis, streptococcal tonsillitis, or plainly streptococcal sore throat. Strep throat can be contagious if you come into close contact with a person suffering from this infection. Because of the easy transfer, strep throat is the cause of sore throats among 4 out of 10 children. Since this affects a great majority of people, it is best to know what are the symptoms of strep throat to avoid being infected by this infection.

To better answer the question “What are the symptoms of strep throat?” we should first determine what the cause of this infection is. Strep throat is caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus or GAS. Since it is transmitted through direct contact, crowding in areas like schools, offices, etc. can increase the rate of transmission. In rare occasions, contaminated food can cause outbreaks of this infection whereas the common victims are children. Because of the nature and the rate at which this infection transmit, people who are suffering from strep throat should remain in isolation until they have completely recovered.

The common symptoms of strep throat are sore throat, fever, pus on the tonsils, and enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes. There are also other symptoms that could affirm the possibility of strep throat and they are headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle pain, and scarlatiniform rash. Usually fevers which are caused by strep throat are greater than 38 C or 100 F. These symptoms may show after 1-3 days after being in contact with an infected individual.

The best way to prevent strep throat is to avoid contact with an infected individual. Careful observation of the symptoms could cause early detection and can be treated early. The last option to prevent being infected by strep throat is tonsillectomy. In the year 2003, a study of how tonsillectomy can prevent strep throat has been conducted and it has shown favorable results.

The best cure for strep throat in the United States is penicillin V antibiotics. US based doctors affirm that Penicillin V has been proven to be the safest, economical, and the most effective cure for this infection. In Europe, doctors prescribe amoxicillin for their strep patients. In India, doctors prescribe intramuscular benzathine penicillin G because of the high risk of getting rheumatic fever. Now that you know what are the symptoms of strep throat, you should take the necessary precautions to avoid infection.