Sore throat is attributable to a streptococcal infection in 10% of cases in adults and 15 to 30% of cases in children. Stay vigilant!
The winter months are conducive to the spread of respiratory infections, which are often caused by a virus. The most commonly known viral infection is the cold, which is generally characterized by sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, and a sore throat.
In most cases, pharyngitis, or throat inflammation, is caused by a virus. Moreover, it is the most common cause of throat inflammation in children under age five. However, pharyngitis can also be caused by bacteria—Group A streptococcus (GAS). GAS pharyngitis is associated with:
Symptoms appear 24 to 72 hours following contamination by bacteria. Paradoxically, a person can be a carrier of streptococcus without developing the illness.
Carriers of GAS are contagious even though they do not develop the illness. Bacteria can be transmitted in the same way as the cold virus, such as:
A person can be contagious for 7 to 10 days after having contracted the bacteria. This represents the acute phase of the illness. Without antibiotic treatment, the communicability period can last for 21 days. However, if an antibiotic is administered, the risk of spreading the bacteria to someone else is reduced to 24 hours.
An increase of GAS pharyngitis is observed at the end of winter and at the beginning of spring. Children and adolescents between ages 5 and 15 are most affected by these infections.
Because this infection is caused by bacteria, an antibiotic treatment can be used.
As experts, pharmacists are your main reference regarding medication. If you are prescribed an antibiotic treatment, they can advise you about:
Your pharmacist can also suggest over-the-counter medications designed to relieve sore throat, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Before purchasing a product, always ask the advice of your pharmacist, who will be able to indicate which one is the most suitable for you by taking into account your age, medical history, health, and the other medications you take.
If the product is for a child, the pharmacist will indicate the dose to be given according to the child's weight and will specify how to measure it if it is in a liquid format.
Your pharmacist can also provide other advice.
Because Group A streptococcus can be transmitted from one person to another, it is crucial to apply the following prevention measures:
Speak to your pharmacist for additional information about Steptococcal pharyngitis.
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