University Health Services
Strep Throat
Definition:
A sore throat caused by streptococcal bacteria. This infection should
be treated with
antibiotics to prevent more serious illnesses.
Signs and symptoms:
Severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, red throat with swollen tonsils,
white spots to the back of the throat, fever, headache, and lymph node
swelling in
neck.
Diagnosis and
treatment:
Strep throat is most often diagnosed using a Rapid Strep Test.
Treatment is antibiotics to kill the infection and ibuprofen to decrease
inflammation. Ice-cold fluids every hour are also recommended to decrease
swelling. Salt water gargles or lozenges may ease symptoms. Patients are
considered contagious and should not attend classes or go to work until
they have
been on antibiotics for a full 24 hours. Return to the clinic if symptoms
have not
begun to show significant improvement after 3-4 days.
NOTE: It is extremely important that you take all of the prescribed antibiotic to kill the bacteria. If you do not take antibiotics the full 10 days, the bacteria may return and be harder to kill. Streptococcal bacteria can also cause problems in the heart and kidneys if not treated fully.