It’s Not Just A Regular Sore Throat Ever had a sore throat so painful you thought it was on fire or being torn apart? If so, the chances are you had strep throat. While people often refer to any sore throat as “strep throat,” this term should only be used for throat infections caused by group A streptococcus, also known as strep bacteria. Most sore throats are caused by viruses such as the flu virus, cold virus, or COVID-19 virus. These are responsible for 25% to 45% of all sore throats, but they are not the same as “strep throat.” True strep throat is caused b y a group A bacterial infection and accounts for only 5% to 15% of sore throats in developed countries like Canada. Who Gets Strep Throat? Strep throat commonly infects children or teenagers; half of all cases occur in people younger than 18 years of age, but it can occur in older adults as well, though it isn’t as common. Strep bacteria are often spread from person to person, such as when people who are sick talk, cough, or breathe closely to another person. This could be why school-age children are more likely to get strep throat. Strep throat is also more common during colder seasons, when people are more likely to be indoors. Identifying strep throatBecause there are many causes of a sore throat, it is often difficult to tell if a sore throat is caused by strep bacteria or by a virus like influenza, but there are a few key differences. Doctors often diagnose strep throat based on the patient’s description of the symptoms along with a physical examination of the throat. But sometimes the cause of the symptoms is not obvious. Distinguishing Strep Throat from a Viral Infection More likely strep throat More likely viral infection Fast onset of sore throat Slow onset of sore throat No stuffy nose, red eyes, or cough Other typical virus symptoms, such as hoarse voice, red eyes, cough, and stuffy nose Fever present (>38° C or >100.4° F) Mild fever or normal temperature (37° C or 98.6° F) Often have swollen tonsils with white patches on the back of the throat Might have some white patches on the back of the throat, but often do not Fortunately, there are tests that can accurately detect streptococcus bacteria to help diagnose strep throat. A throat swab sample can be collected by a doctor and sent to a lab with results coming back within a couple of days. Alternatively, new in-office devices can test throat swab samples accurately right on–site in a matter of minutes. Complications and Prevention If strep throat is suspected, it is important to get tested and receive antibiotic treatment as soon as possible after the diagnosis has been made. Strep throat can be very uncomfortable and if left untreated, it can be severe or even life-threatening. Children and some adults who don’t receive timely treatment may develop acute rheumatic fever, which can result in complications affecting the heart and joints. Strep throat is highly contagious. Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading it. Caregivers and household members should wash their hands often and avoid sharing personal items such as drinking glasses, cutlery, or towels. It is also important to disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as countertops and doorknobs. TreatmentA simple ten-day course of targeted antibiotics is usually very effective in curing strep throat. Starting antibiotics quickly can help many people feel better in as little as one day. Once antibiotics are started, it is less likely to spread the bacteria after 24 hours of treatment. It is important to use antibiotics only when they are needed and to finish all doses that are prescribed. Antibiotics will not work for sore throats caused by viruses such as those that cause cold and flu symptoms, they can cause unpleasant side effects, and they can lead to the development of resistant bacteria that are harder to treat. Get Help When You Need It If you or a loved one are suffering from a very sore throat, visit your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible. They can recommend or prescribe throat sprays, lozenges, or pain relievers to provide comfort from the symptoms. If a strep throat infection is suspected, a throat swab test can be conducted to confirm the diagnosis, and antibiotics can be prescribed. Testing can be done at a doctor’s office or at select London Drugs locations with instore throat swab testing. Testing onsite is convenient and enables a quick and accurate diagnosis of strep throat within minutes, so antibiotics can be started right away if required. For more information, ask your pharmacist. Related
