Table of Contents
- Can strep throat go away without antibiotics?
- What happens if you don’t treat strep throat?
- How contagious is strep with no fever?
- Can you live with someone with strep and not get it?
Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection that typically requires treatment with antibiotics. It’s caused by bacteria in the Streptococcus family, most often group A streptococcus, and can spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions or contact with an infected person’s saliva or nasal discharge. Most people with strep throat will be contagious for two to three weeks without treatment. It can remain contagious for up to six weeks if it’s not treated.
The symptoms of strep throat include sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and white patches on the tonsils. If you think you may have strep throat, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get a diagnosis and start treatment.
Can strep throat go away without antibiotics?
Strep throat is caused by bacteria, so antibiotics are typically necessary to treat the infection and reduce the risk of complications. Without treatment, the bacteria can spread and cause more serious infections, such as rheumatic fever. It’s also possible for strep throat to come back with a vengeance if it’s not treated properly.
What happens if you don’t treat strep throat?
If you don’t treat strep throat, it can lead to more serious complications, such as rheumatic fever, acute glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), and scarlet fever. These illnesses can cause serious damage to the heart, kidneys, and other organs. Untreated strep throat can also spread to other parts of the body, including the ears, sinuses, and lungs. That’s why it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible.
How contagious is strep with no fever?
Even without a fever, strep throat is still contagious. People with strep throat can spread the infection to others through saliva, sneezing, or coughing. Such contact usually occurs when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes within six feet of someone else. If you have strep throat, it’s important to avoid close contact with others and to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. You should also wash your hands frequently.
Can you live with someone with strep and not get it?
It is possible to live with someone with strep throat and not get it. But it’s still important to take steps to prevent the spread of the infection. You should avoid close contact with the infected person and wear a face mask if you must be in the same room as them. You should also avoid sharing drinking glasses, utensils, or other items with them. Be sure to wash your hands frequently and, if possible, keep the infected person in a separate room.
Strep throat can be an unpleasant and potentially serious illness. If you think you have it, seek medical attention as soon as possible. With timely treatment and preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of complications and help prevent the spread of the infection to others.