Strep throat is one of the most common diagnoses among sick children and preteens. According to recent studies, over 18% of school-aged children carry around the Streptococcus virus without knowing as they show no symptoms.  Even with no symptoms,  the virus can move from one person to another within seconds via tiny respiratory droplets. Although kids are the major group age with strep throat, adults are not entirely safe as it also affects older people. This article discusses everything you need to know about Strep throat and strep throat tests.

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Understanding Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. This bacteria is known as the group A Streptococcus and can spread from one person to another during talking, coughing, or sneezing. When infection occurs, the symptoms manifest between 2 days to 1 week and some people do not experience any symptoms. Since it's a bacterial infection of the throat, strep throat can be treated with antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin.

Common strep throat symptoms include:

• Persistent sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Painful swallowing
• Red and swollen tonsils
• Fever
• Headache
• Rash

The Duration of a Strep Throat Test

The strep throat test is a rapid test that determines the presence of the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes in an infected person's droplets. Since the common symptom of strep throat is the inflammation of the pharyngitis, that is the back of the throat, the streptococcus throat test requires samples from your pharyngitis. It is important to properly diagnose strep throat as the wrong use of antibiotics can cause complications.

Rapid Strep Test

The rapid strep test looks for the strep A antigens that trigger the immune response. This test can last between 10 to 30 minutes and the result is almost immediate.  If the results turn out to be negative but your healthcare provider suspects that you have strep throat, you can be advised to do a throat culture.

Throat Culture

The throat culture also looks for the streptococcus A bacteria but it is much more accurate than the rapid strep test. It takes a longer time as your wait period can be between 24 to 48 hours.

What To Expect During a Strep Throat Test

When you go to a healthcare provider for a strep A test, you will either be given a rapid Strep A test or the throat culture. Thereafter, you will be required to lift your head and tilt it backward, while opening your mouth wide. A tongue depressor will be used to hold down your tongue to prevent obstruction. Your doctor will use a special, sterile swab to take samples from the back of your throat and tonsils and a rapid strep A test is done. If you require further analysis, the swab is sent to the lab technician for a throat culture. If your strep throat comes along with a high fever, severe headache, and a stiff neck, then you need to do a strep A test. Also, visit a doctor if your OTC medication process to be ineffective against your symptoms