You want to go out and about in Hixson and the surrounding area, but you’ve heard that strep throat is going around. Should you be concerned?

If you’ll be coming in close contact with someone who has the condition, the answer is yes. Strep throat is very contagious. Let’s take a look at the condition and what you need to know.

Is Strep Throat Contagious?

Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection. Strep bacteria is spread through airborne droplets when someone sneezes or coughs—and through shared drinks or food.

That’s why it’s so important to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms of strep throat appear. Once a person is diagnosed and begins antibiotic treatment, he or she will no longer be contagious after 24 hours.

Symptoms of Strep Throat

• Fever
• Headache
• Pain with swallowing
• Nausea
• Red, swollen tonsils
• Red spots on roof of mouth
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Vomiting

Can You Prevent Strep Throat?

What if you’re not the one with strep throat—your family member is?There are steps you can take to limit your chances of developing strep throat.

Prevent Strep Throat

• Limit contact with anyone who has strep throat, particularly within the first 24 hours of antibiotic therapy.
• Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces of your home, including door knobs and light switches.
• Do not share food or drink with others.
• Wash your hands frequently and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer is soap isn’t available.

Do you think you might have strep throat? The team at AFC Urgent Care Hixson can get you diagnosed and set up with a treatment plan to get you back to feeling your best!