Strep throat, scientifically known as Streptococcal Pharyngitis, is a throat infection that affects school-aged children aged between 5 and 15 years-old. In the US, children typically get infected once every 4 years, making it one of the most commonly-occurring diseases within that age group.
The infection is caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, more commonly of the Group A type and is transmitted from person-to-person by direct contact, particularly from fluids coming from the mouth. It can also be passed-on through shared eating utensils and cups, making it highly-contagious.
Because of the way it is transmitted, Strep Throat is most-prevalent during late autumn, winter, and early spring, when children are huddled closely indoors. The close proximity of children to one another while at school or in daycare centers during the cold months, make the transmission of the infection easier.
The appearance of symptoms of Strep throat occurs suddenly, usually incubating between 1-5 days after exposure to the bacteria. It presents quite differently from other cases of throat infections, which is why the diagnosis of Streptococcal pharyngitis is often based symptomatically. Once the doctors determine that the case is a suspected strep throat infection, a throat culture for Streptococcus bacteria is then ordered to confirm their suspicion.
Here are the signs and symptoms that suggest the presence of a strep throat infection.
1. Pus on the Tonsils
The hallmark of a strep infection is the presence of pus on a patient’s very swollen tonsils. Tonsils are soft tissue masses on each side of the throat which help to fight infection. As the tonsils battle the streptococcus bacteria, it increases in size and produces pus, a thick, yellowish liquid containing dead white blood cells, serum, tissue debris and bacteria.
