Strep throat is a common and contagious infection that affects the throat and tonsils.
It is caused by a type of bacteria called group A streptococcus, which can spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected people or objects.
But how long does it take for strep throat to develop after exposure to the bacteria?
And how long can someone with strep throat infect others?
In this article, we will answer these questions by explaining the incubation period for strep throat contagious, the symptoms and diagnosis of strep throat, and the treatment and prevention options for this infection.
What Is The Incubation Period for Strep Throat Contagious?
The incubation period for strep throat is the time between exposure to the bacteria and the onset of symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the incubation period for strep throat is usually 2 to 5 days, but it can range from 1 to 7 days.
This means that a person can be infected with GAS and not show any signs of illness for several days, during which they can still spread the bacteria to others.
The contagious period for strep throat is the time during which a person can transmit the infection to others. The contagious period depends on whether the person is treated with antibiotics or not. If a person with strep throat takes antibiotics, they are usually no longer contagious after 24 hours of starting the medication.
However, if a person with strep throat does not take antibiotics, they can remain contagious for 2 to 3 weeks after exposure. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention and follow the prescribed treatment if you suspect you have strep throat.
How soon after exposure to strep throat are you contagious?
Here are some facts about how soon after exposure to strep throat you are contagious:
- The incubation period for strep throat is 1 to 5 days after exposure. This means that you can develop symptoms of strep throat within this time frame after being exposed to the bacteria.
- You are contagious even before you have symptoms. You can spread the bacteria to others a few days before you start feeling sick
- If you are treated with antibiotics, you are no longer contagious after 24 hours of taking the medication. Antibiotics can help you feel better faster and prevent complications from strep throat.
- If you are not treated with antibiotics, you can remain contagious for 2 to 3 weeks after contracting the infection. This is because the bacteria can still live in your throat and cause reinfection or transmission to others.
How long does it take to get strep A from someone?
Strep A is a type of bacteria that can cause various infections, such as sore throat, scarlet fever, and impetigo. According to the CDC1 and the NHS2, it usually takes 2 to 5 days after exposure to strep A bacteria to become sick with an infection. However, some people may not have any symptoms or seem sick, but they can still spread the bacteria to others.
How long does it take to get through strep throat?
According to the CDC, people with strep throat usually start feeling better 1–2 days after starting antibiotics. However, it may take longer for some people to recover fully. It is important to finish the prescribed course of antibiotics and avoid spreading the infection to others. You can also try some home remedies to soothe your sore throat, such as drinking warm fluids, gargling with salt water, or using throat lozenges.
How do you prevent strep throat after exposure?
To prevent strep throat after exposure, you should:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as utensils, cups, toothbrushes, or towels with the infected person.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay away from the infected person as much as possible until they finish their antibiotic treatment.
Will strep go away without antibiotics?
Strep throat can go away on its own without antibiotics in about three to five days. However, antibiotics are recommended to speed up the healing process, prevent the spread of the infection, and reduce the risk of complications. Therefore, it is advisable to see a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of strep throat and get tested and treated accordingly.
Also Read: The Best Foods To Eat When Having Stomach Problems
What happens if strep throat is left untreated?
If strep throat is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as:
- Kidney inflammation, which can cause blood in urine and kidney failure
- Rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart, joints, and skin
- Abscesses, which are infected pockets in the throat
- Scarlet fever, which causes a rash over the body
- Ear infection, sinusitis, or mastoiditis, which are infections of the ear, nose, or skull
Can you get strep throat by being near someone?
Yes, you can get strep throat by being near someone who has it. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can be spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected people or objects.
Respiratory droplets are released when a person with strep throat coughs or sneezes. If you breathe in these droplets or touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching something with these droplets on it, you may get strep throat.
Direct contact means sharing personal items such as utensils, cups, toothbrushes, or towels with the infected person, or touching their sores or fluid from their sores.
What Are the Main Symptoms of Strep Throat Contagious?
The main symptoms of strep throat contagious are:
- Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
- Painful swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children
- Body aches
How Is Strep Throat Contagious Diagnosed?
Strep throat contagious is diagnosed by a healthcare provider who can do a physical exam and check for signs and symptoms of the infection.
There are two main tests that can be done to confirm if a person has strep throat:
- Rapid antigen test: This test is done by collecting a sample from the throat on a swab. It can detect strep bacteria by looking for substances called antigens. The results are usually available in a few minutes.
- Throat culture: This test is done by collecting a sample from the throat on a swab and sending it to a lab for analysis. It can identify the type of bacteria that is causing the infection. The results may take one or two days to come back.
If the rapid antigen test is negative, but the healthcare provider still suspects strep throat, they may order a throat culture to confirm the diagnosis.
The Treatment Strep Throat Contagious
The treatment for strep throat contagious is usually antibiotics, which can help you feel better faster, prevent the spread of the infection, and reduce the risk of complications.
You may also take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to ease your throat pain and fever.
In addition, you should drink plenty of fluids, gargle with warm salt water, and use throat lozenges or sprays to soothe your throat.
If you have a severe case of strep throat or recurrent infections, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy, which is a surgery to remove your tonsils.
Conclusion
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can be easily transmitted from person to person.
The incubation period for strep throat contagious is usually between 2 and 5 days, meaning that someone can develop symptoms and infect others within this time frame.
Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect that you have strep throat, and to follow the prescribed treatment and prevention measures.
By doing so, you can reduce the risk of complications and protect yourself and others from this common and uncomfortable condition.
We hope this article has been effective and helpful.
References:
1: Strep Throat: All You Need to Know | CDC 2: Strep A – NHS
https://www.healthline.com/health/is-strep-throat-contagious
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-does-strep-throat-last