Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a sore and scratchy throat. It is more common in children from 5 to 15, but anyone can get infected. Strep throat is also called as Streptococcus pyogenes and is spread by contact with secretions from the affected person’s respiratory tract, especially when a person sneezes or coughs.
According to the pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Nipunie S. Rajapakse, MD says that during the winter and spring, you tend to see more patients coming in with strep throat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are several million cases of infection with group A strep bacteria in the United States each year.
Globally, as many as 616 million people are affected by strep throat each year, according to an article published in February 2016.
Causes and Risks Associated with Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection as discussed above and can get certain characteristics to make an infection more likely. You are more likely to get strep throat if you are aged 5 to 15 or if it is early spring or winter when people sit together in a confined space.
The bacterial infection can also lead to kidney inflammation, pneumonia, and rheumatic fever. These conditions require immediate medical attention and should be taken seriously.
How to Avoid Spreading the Bacteria?
Strep throat is transmittable, especially when it is not treated on time. However, taking antibiotics recommended by your physician lessens the risk of transmission. It takes approximately 24 hours for antibiotics to stop transmitting the bacteria anymore. Make sure to be careful during that period of time.
When someone who is infected sneezes or coughs, they spread the bacteria through droplets. Moreover, you can also get strep throat by touching contaminated surfaces such as door handles and then transferring the bacteria to your mouth, nose, and eyes. Sharing drinks or food will also transmit the infection.
In order to ensure good health, make sure to wash your hands regularly, especially when you use the restroom or before you eat. Kill the bacteria with hand sanitizer, when you are commuting. Avoid sharing utensils, drinking glasses, toothbrushes, food and drink, and bowls with others.
If you have strep throat, make sure to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. To prevent the spread of infection, avoid kissing to prevent the spread of infection. Take the full course of your antibiotics as recommended by the doctor to avoid any further complications such as rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, and scarlet fever.
Visit Urgent Care Walk-in Clinic for Treatment
What if you don’t have time to visit a doctor or your doctor is not available right away? Just walk into any Urgent Care Walk-in Clinic to get yourself treated for strep throat. Without an appointment or waiting for long hours, you will be treated by a certified physician. At an affordable cost, you can get rid of strep throat and get back to normal. The clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and equipment to offer immediate treatment to everyone who walks in.
