Longer-lived virus calls for diligent cleaning of surfaces
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports widespread strep throat cases at the beginning of 2014 with outpatient visits to health-care providers particularly high throughout the Southern states, especially the Southeast.
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection, infecting approximately 11 million people in the United States each year, according to the CDC.
Dr. Jerel Raney is a physician and owner of Velocity Care Urgent Treatment Center on Youree Drive in Shreveport. Raney said, “Strep throat is an infection of the pharynx [throat] and tonsils caused by the bacteria group A streptococci. Strep throat is usually spread by droplets of saliva from sharing drinks or coughing. It is fairly contagious, especially among close contacts including family members and school children. The incubation period is two to four days after exposure.” The NIH reports most people with strep are contagious until they have been on antibiotics 24 to 48 hours. They should stay home from school, day care or work until they have been on antibiotics for at least a day.
The CDC lists the following common symptoms of strep throat:
• Sore throat, usually starting quickly,
• Severe pain when swallowing,
• Fever (101 degrees Fahrenheit or above),
• Red and swollen tonsils, possibly with white patches,
• Tiny red spots at the back of the roof of the mouth,
• Headache,
• Nausea and/or vomiting,
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck,
• Body aches and
• Rash.
The CDC states that not all of these symptoms need to appear for a diagnosis of strep throat to be found.
University of Buffalo researchers report that streptococcus pneumoniae and streptococcus pyogenes, which causes strep throat, can live on surfaces such surfaces as children’s toys, doorknobs and faucets for weeks and even months – much longer than previously believed, Raney said, “This means that parents will need to be more diligent in cleaning surfaces their sick children come into contact with, especially those households with little children who tend to put everything in their mouths.”
Raney said, “Those with moderate to severe symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, high fevers or known strep exposure should be seen by a doctor. If antibiotics are needed, the sooner they can be prescribed the better.” The NIH reports, in rare cases, strep throat can even lead to rheumatic fever if it is not treated. Strep throat may also cause a rare kidney complication called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Other potential complications the NIH reports may occur include ear infection, psoriasis, mastoiditis, peritonsillar abscess, scarlet fever or sinusitis.
Raney said, “Although there are certain characteristics that are associated with strep throat, it can be difficult for both patients and providers to distinguish strep from these alone. Certain characteristics make it more likely, such as higher fevers, tender lymph nodes in the neck and pus on the tonsils. Strep is not usually associated with runny nose and cough.”
Raney said, “Strep throat can be diagnosed by a rapid antigen test in the office or with a culture of the throat. Sometimes a diagnosis is made on clinical grounds alone based on exposure to someone with a diagnosis of strep.”
Raney said, “Strep throat is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin-based, either by mouth or with an injection. For those allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics, such as the macrolides erythromycin or azithromycin, can be used. To treat sore throat, some of the best ways are with salt water gargles, lozenges and throat sprays. Some lozenges, like Cepacol, contain medications that actually numb the throat and provide good relief, while others just keep the throat moist.”
The NIH recommends the following tips to help your sore throat feel better:
• Drink warm liquids such as lemon tea or tea with honey.
• Gargle several times a day with warm salt water (1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup water).
• Drink cold liquids or suck on popsicles.
• Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges.
Young children should not be given these products because they can choke on them.
• A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can moisten and soothe a dry and painful throat.
• Try over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen.
• If you are prescribed antibiotics for strep throat take the entire course of the antibiotic, even if you start to feel better before you have finished it.
If a person is infected with group A streptococcus, the NIH recommends a person acquire a new toothbrush once no longer contagious but before finishing the antibiotics; otherwise, the bacteria might continue to live in the toothbrush and cause re-infection when the antibiotics are done. They also recommend toothbrushes and utensils of an infected person be kept separate from those of other family members, unless thoroughly washed/disinfected.
Raney said, “Frequent hand washing, not sharing drinks with those who are sick and coughing in ones elbow are probably the simplest ways to prevent catching and spreading strep throat.”
