Fact Sheet for School
What is it?
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection.
Who gets it?
Anyone can get strep throat.
How is it spread?
Strep throat is spread by direct contact, rarely by indirect contact through objects of hands. Casual contact rarely leads to infection.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of strep throat are usually a sore throat, fever, swelling of tonsils or white patches on the back of the throat. Some children get ear infections or abscesses of tonsils. Some may also get a red raised rash, usually on the chest. Some children have mild symptoms.
What is the treatment?
See a doctor who will do a throat culture to diagnose strep throat and prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics must be taken for 24-48 hours before you are no longer contagious. You must finish all the antibiotics.
How can it be prevented?
Anyone who has strep throat should stay home from school until 24-48 hours after antibiotics have been started.
If you have any questions or concerns, call your local Health Department.