No, it’s not. While it’s true that strep throat isn’t a particularly dangerous infection, it can become dangerous when it isn’t taken care of in a timely manner.
Our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains why below, so keep reading!
What Causes Strep Throat?
Strep throat is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A Streptococcus. It spreads easily from person to persons, and you can get it by coming into contact with the nose fluids or saliva of someone who has strep throat.
Strep throat is most common in young children, but people of all ages can get it. If you aren’t sure whether or not you have strep throat, we’ve listed some of its common symptoms below.
Common Strep Throat Symptoms
- A sudden fever, especially if it’s 101˚F or higher
- A sudden sore, red throat with white patches
- A headache
- Chills
- A loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Trouble swallowing
How Safe Is It to Not Treat Strep Throat?
Not safe. Strep throat can cause all kinds of serious complications when it isn’t taken care of in a timely manner.
Since strep throat is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are necessary to get rid of the bacteria and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the body. If you believe you have strep throat, visit our AFC center ASAP to avoid the below-listed complications.
Potential Complications Caused By Untreated Strep Throat
- Abscesses (infected pockets) in your throat
- Infected lymph nodes in the neck
- Middle ear infection
- Sinus infection
- Rheumatic fever, which can cause damage to the heart, joints, nervous system and skin. This is rare, and it occurs mainly in children ages 5 to 15.
- Scarlet fever—a bright red, sandpaper-like rash that starts on the face and neck and spreads through the body; it can be caused by strep throat or strep skin infections.
- Toxic shock syndrome—a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by strep bacteria releasing toxins into the body
Need a rapid strep test? Visit our AFC center to get tested today!
