What is strep throat? And is it Contagious?

What is Strep Throat?

Strep Throat, also known as Streptococcal Pharyngitis or Streptococcal Sore Throat is a term for a tender, scratchy or a painful sore throat that is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, as opposed to being caused by viral infection.
What are the symptoms of Strep Throat?

• Pain and difficulty swallowing
• Small red spots on the palate
• Red, inflamed tonsils
• Swollen glands in neck
• Fever or rash
• Headache
• Toddlers may have a nasal discharge and also experience stomach ache

Is Strep Throat Contagious?

Strep Throat is very contagious, passed by sneezing/coughing or droplets of moisture on hands.

When to See Your GP

Always seek medical attention if you have a high temperature that does not decrease after taking medication or if your symptoms persist. If you are experiencing severe pain, slurred speech, are drooling, cannot drink enough fluids due to swallowing difficulties or your voice is muffled, it is important to seek urgent medical attention at out of hour’s services or the Accident and Emergency department as persistent symptoms may indicate other illnesses.