How does someone get strep throat?
Strep throat and scarlet fever are both bacterial infections caused by the streptococcus bacteria. Both infections usually cause a child to feel quite ill. Symptoms may include a sore throat, fever, tender swollen neck glands, headache and stomachache. Scarlet fever is accompanied by a rash and strawberry appearance of the tongue. A health care provider based on throat culture results or other testing makes diagnosis of strep throat and scarlet fever. Treatment requires antibiotic therapy for a specifically prescribed period of time in order for the infection to be cured. Analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and cold drinks and soft foods may ease sore throat. Strep throat and scarlet fever are both contagious Children must be excluded from school until they have been taking medication for at least 24 hours and are fever free.
