3 Symptoms Of Strep, And A Few That Usually Are Not
DENVER (CBS4) - There are a lot of bugs going around the Front Range right now, but one of the biggies is strep throat. And it is not just little kids who are getting it, but a number of grownups are having positive throat cultures as well.
Strep is one of the main reasons why people go to the doctors and have to take time away from school or work. But one of the big things to know is that viruses cause the majority of sore throats. In children about 1 in 4 sore throats are caused by strep, and in adults it's only about 1 in 10. Those figures obviously change if there is a lot of strep going around or if you've been exposed potentially either at work or school (or home).
So how do you know when you should go to the doctor and get your sore throat checked out for strep? One of the first things that think about is what symptoms do not come along with strep.
For example, cough is unusual with pure strep throat. You might get a little bit of a runny nose, but that's generally not the major symptom.
The big 3 things that tend to be associated with strep are obviously pretty sore throat, but also a headache as well as some nausea or stomach pain. In fact, if we get a little kid who comes in with a sore throat, headache and stomach ache, strep is way up on the list of possibilities.
And you probably have heard that some people with strep can also get a rash. In some, it's worse in the sore throat. Fever may or may not be a symptom, but more often than not, you do get a temp, as well as some aches and chills if it is strep throat. One other thing that you may notice is the feeling that you have an ear infection--- even though you don't. The reason for that is swollen glands in the neck will often give what we call referred pain up towards the ears ... giving you an ear ache. Remember too, just because you don't have tonsils doesn't mean that you can't get strep throat.
For most people, we will run a rapid strep test, which these days is pretty accurate. If it's positive, or if we clinically suspect strongly that you have strep throat, we will prescribe antibiotics. It's not unusual for some doctors to run a backup regular throat culture if the rapid strep test is negative.
If you do have strep and you do get antibiotics, remember you'll be contagious for at least 24 hours after you start the medication.
That means be cautious in terms of who you come in contact with.
And you've obviously got to use some common sense here.
Let's say you don't feel very good after 24 hours despite antibiotics, it's still then a good idea to stay away from work or school.
Some doctors will also recommend that you replace your toothbrushes after you finish your medication, as well as making sure that things like towels are replaced as well.
Paper cups and paper towels are certainly a good idea during any type of active illness that in your household. Also, it's a good idea to be cleaning common surfaces frequently. And don't forget that frequent handwashing
Finally, always keep in mind the bottom line: If you are really feeling sick and don't quite fit the picture for any one particular illness, strep or otherwise, it's always a good idea to get in and get checked out.
Dr. Dave Hnida is CBS4's Medical Editor. He blogs about the latest studies and trends in the health world. Read his latest blog entries, check out his bio or follow him on Twitter @drdavehnida
