How Long Does Strep Throat Last? Causes, Treatment, And More!

How long does strep throat last?

Is this something that you have been searching for? If yes, then you have reached the right place!

While there are many diseases and conditions that are prevalent in the world, some of them might not be that deadly. However, they can be excruciating or irritating to deal with. Most of these are related to flu and cough. And one of these diseases or viral infections is strep throat.

If you have been searching for the answer to how to treat strep throat or how long it will take to heal this throat condition, you will find this article to be of help. Keep reading this blog till the end to learn more…

What Is Strep Throat?

Before answering “how long does strep throat last” it is important that you learn a little about what this condition is in the first place.

So, what is strep throat?

A strep throat is an infection of the throat that is caused because of a bacteria. In this condition, the throat and the tonsils become painfully inflamed. As this infection is caused by the group A bacteria Streptococcus, or Group A Strep, this condition is called Strep Throat. This infection causes severe inflammation and a very sore throat. It almost becomes impossible for the patient to talk and swallow food.

Read More: Is Laryngitis Contagious? | Causes, Types, And Symptoms!

How Does Strep Throat Look?

In case you were curious as to how this condition looks, I have o covered. Here are some of the images of a throat of a person infected with Group A Strep bacteria:

Symptoms Of Strep Throat

Apart from sore throat and inflammation of the tonsils, there are a few other symptoms that might help you recognise the infection. In case you are in search of the symptoms and signs of strep throat, you have reached the right place. Before learning about how long strep throat last, it is best that you checkout some of these symptoms to help you identify this condition better:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Cough
• Scarlet rash
• Nausea
• Chills

Answering The Question, “How Long Does Strep Throat Last?”

Now, coming to the pain part of the blog, here is the answer to what you have been searching for— how long does strep throat last?

Well, a person with strep throat is contagious for a maximum of five to seven days. In this time, they are likely to spread the disease to a healthy person. According to Cleveland Clinic, a patient with strep throat “should start to feel better within a day or two of beginning an antibiotic. Most symptoms of strep throat should be gone within seven to 10 days.”

The Spread: Is Strep Throat Contagious?

Like most other viral or bacterial infections, strep throat is also contagious. Now you may ask how people get it. Well, you may remember that in school we were taught to cover our mouths and nose while coughing or sneezing.

Well, there is a reason behind it.

The respiratory droplets are carriers of the germs that cause infections in a sick person. When a healthy person comes in contact with them, they are also likely to get the infection.

There are two ways in which strep throat is spread. They are:

• Through respiratory droplets.
• Through direct touch.

When a healthy person breathes in the respiratory droplets containing the germs and bacteria that are suspended in the air, they get infected too.

On the other hand, the germs cursing strep throat also spreads through direct contact. According to studies, “bacteria that cause strep throat may live in infected sores on your skin. Other people can get the infection if they touch your sores or come into contact with the fluid from them.”

How Long Is Strep Throat Contagious?

For how long a person with strep throat will remain contagious depends on the stage of the disease they are in.

The first 2 to 5 days of the infection are known as the incubation period. During this time, the patient starts to show the symptoms of infection. This is the time when it is likely to spread from an infected person to a healthy person.

Treatment: How To Get Rid Of Strep Throat?

Now that you know the answer to “how long does strep throat last,” it is time for you to learn about the ways in which you can treat this infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is important that you follow a regimen consisting of antibiotics to treat this condition. The best antibiotic of choice according to the studies are Penicillin or Amoxicillin.

Here are some of the things that you can do to get rid of strep throat:

Medication

There are many medicines that doctors prescribe to get rid of the bacteria causing this infection. Here are some of the best antibiotics that can help you treat this disease:

• Penicillin V (oral)
• Amoxicillin (oral)
• Benzathine penicillin G (intramuscular)
• Cephalexin (oral)
• Clindamycin (oral)
• Clarithromycin (oral)
• Azithromycin (oral)
• Cefadroxil (oral)

According to CDC, there are a few benefits of using these antibiotics for the treatment of strep throat:

• Shortens the duration of symptoms.
• Prevents the development of complications, including acute rheumatic fever.
• Reduces the likelihood of transmission to family members, classmates, and other close contacts.

Home Remedies

In case you are searching fir the home remedies that will help you to treat strep throat, you do not have to look any further. Here are some of them that you must keep in mind:

• Eat soft food that is easy to swallow.
• Have lukewarm water.
• Have soothing warm liquid.
• Suck on throat lozenge.
• Gargle with lukewarm water and salt.
• Take painkillers and paracetamol to get relief from the symptoms like pain and fever.

Read More: What Is Arrhythmia? Symptoms, Treatment, And Prevention

Wrapping It Up!

In case you were in search of the answer to “how long does strep throat last,” I hope that this article has been of sufficient help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same feel free to let me know in the comment box at the bottom of the page.

Do not forget to share your doubts and thoughts about this blog. Feel free to let me know what other health conditions you would like to know about!

Read Also:

• What Is Asthma? Symptoms, Treatment, And Prevention
• What Color Helps With Headaches? – Find Out The Truth
• What Is Aromatherapy? Definition, Types, Benefits, Cons, Faqs, More