How To Get Strep Throat Antibiotics

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Urine is pink or tea color
• Taking antibiotic more than 24 hours, and sore throat pain is severe. The pain is not better 2 hours after taking pain medicines.
• Taking antibiotic more than 48 hours and fever still there or comes back
• Taking antibiotic more than 3 days and other Strep symptoms not better
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Treatment Focuses On Managing Inflammation Symptoms

Doctors treat symptoms of rheumatic fever with medicines like aspirin to reduce fever, pain, and general inflammation. In addition, all patients with rheumatic fever should get antibiotics that treat group A strep infections. People who develop rheumatic heart disease with symptoms of heart failure may require medicines to help manage this as well.

Natural Remedies For Strep Throat Without Antibiotics

If you say no to antibiotics, and here we will show you some home remedies to treat your strep throat. In fact, antibiotics have their downsides, so natural remedies are preferred in most cases. Keep up with the article and lets find out the best way to make this bacterial infection go away on its own.

Read Also: Can I Buy Antibiotics At The Store

Strep Throat Treatment: Antibiotics And More

While uncomfortable, a sore throat on its own is not always cause for alarm and can often be treated with over-the-counter and home remedies.

But when accompanied by other symptoms, a scratchy, painful throat may be a sign of an infection.

If its strep throat, antibiotics can help, but if its a viral infection, antibiotic treatment not only doesnt work, it could cause unnecessary side effects.

Luckily, doctors can easily test for strep throat and recommend the appropriate treatment to help you feel better quickly.

In this article, Ill cover the causes, symptoms, and risks of strep throat, as well as how healthcare providers diagnose the infection.

Then Ill explain which antibiotics work to treat strep throat, how to prevent the infection, and when to see a doctor about your sore throat.

How Long Does Strep Throat Last Without Antibiotics

Using antibiotics as a medical treatment for strep throat has become more and more common. However, there has been a lot of worries about how long does strep throat last without antibiotics? because people often think that antibiotics are one of the best treatment to reduce the symptoms as well as minimize the risk of its complications.

Strep throat occurs mostly in children aged from five to fifteen. And recently most parents are often making their great attempt to lessen the use of antibiotics in treating strep throat. The reason is that though antibiotics can diminish the risk of complications and make the body improve quicker, using it may exert unexpected health issues and lead to an increase in the susceptibility to bacteria and infection.

Then, almost all parents consider how long does strep throat last without antibiotics? Maybe, most of us havent received any adequate answers for this long-debated issue. Here, let us bring this matter come to light and you may know than you expected.

Also Check: Which Probiotic Is Best For Antibiotic Diarrhea

Is Strep Throat Contagious

Strep throat is highly contagious. When you sneeze, cough or breathe, tiny droplets containing the strep bacteria go into the air and are easily inhaled by others. You can pass strep throat to others until youve been taking antibiotics for 1 to 3 days. If you have strep throat, stay home until your fever is gone and youve been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours. Avoid kissing people or sharing eating utensils when you have strep throat.

What Else Do You Need To Make Your Decision

Check the facts

• You’re right. Most of the time, sore throats go away on their own. It may take a few days or up to a week, depending on the cause.
• Sorry, that’s not right. Most of the time, sore throats go away on their own. It may take a few days or up to a week, depending on the cause.
• It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” Most of the time, sore throats go away on their own. It may take a few days or up to a week, depending on the cause.

• You’re right. Taking antibiotics too often or when you don’t need them can be harmful and costly. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.
• Sorry, that’s not right. Taking antibiotics too often or when you don’t need them can be harmful and costly. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.
• It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” Taking antibiotics too often or when you don’t need them can be harmful and costly. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.

• Sorry, that’s not right. Most sore throats are caused by a virus, such as a cold. Antibiotics won’t work for sore throats caused by a virus.
• You’re right. Most sore throats are caused by a virus, such as a cold. Antibiotics won’t work for sore throats caused by a virus.
• It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” Most sore throats are caused by a virus, such as a cold. Antibiotics won’t work for sore throats caused by a virus.

Read Also: How To Order Antibiotics Without A Prescription

Children Most Often Affected

Although anyone can get rheumatic fever, it is more common in school-age children . Rheumatic fever is very rare in children younger than three years old and adults.

Infectious illnesses, including group A strep, tend to spread wherever large groups of people gather together. Crowded conditions can increase the risk of getting strep throat or scarlet fever, and thus rheumatic fever. These settings include:

• Schools
• Daycare centers
• Military training facilities

Someone who had rheumatic fever in the past is more likely to get rheumatic fever again if they get strep throat or scarlet fever again.

Doctors look to see how well the heart is working when diagnosing rheumatic fever.

What Is A Sore Throat

Sore throats can be painful and annoying. But most of the time they go away on their own. It may take a few days or up to a week, depending on the cause.

Most sore throats are caused by a virus, such as a cold. A bacterial infection can also cause a sore throat.

If you have a sudden, severe sore throat without coughing, sneezing, or other cold symptoms, you could have strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. About 1 out of 10 sore throats in adults is caused by strep throat. This means that 9 out of 10 sore throats aren’t strep.

Don’t Miss: Antibiotics Commonly Prescribed For Uti

Home Remedies For Strep Throat Symptoms

The scratchy, burning pain of a sore throat can make life miserable. From sipping water to answering the phone, everyday tasks are suddenly painful challenges.

While its common to think you may have strep throat, the bacterial infection can only be diagnosed by a throat swab test.

If you test positive for strep, its important to take any prescribed medications, including antibiotics, as not doing so can lead to serious health complications such as rheumatic fever or heart murmurs.

It usually takes only a day or two after starting antibiotics to feel better, but in the meantime, there are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms, including some quick and easy home remedies for strep throat.

Is This Your Child’s Symptom

• Your child was diagnosed with a Strep throat infection
• A doctor has told you your child probably has Strep throat or
• Your child has a positive Strep test
• Your child is taking an antibiotic for Strep throat and you have questions
• You are worried that the fever or sore throat is not getting better fast enough

Also Check: Antibiotics For H Pylori Eradication

What Are The Risks Of Taking Antibiotics For Sore Throat

Antibiotics may cause side effects, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and skin rashes.

Besides side effects, there are other good reasons not to use antibiotics unless you really need them.

• Antibiotics cost money.
• You will probably have to see the doctor to get a prescription. This costs you time.
• If you take antibiotics when you don’t need them, they may not work when you do need them. Each time you take antibiotics, you are more likely to carry some bacteria that were not killed by the medicine. Over time, these bacteria get tougher and can cause longer and more serious infections. To treat them, you may need different, stronger, and more costly antibiotics.

Increase The Amount Of Vitamin C

When it comes to picking up the best medicine for your body, healthy food always ranks the first position. There is no better medication than absorbing nutritious food to supply your body with energy and vitamins.

If you are experiencing hurtful strep throat, dont hesitate to eat rich vitamin C food like oranges. However, if you dont have much time prepare natural vitamin C, you could visit some food store to select vitamin C supplement. While children are supposed to take in 500 2000 mg vitamin C, adults should have an intake of 4000 mg vitamin C.

Don’t Miss: Can You Take Ibuprofen With Uti Antibiotics

Diagnosing And Treating Strep Throat Online

Strep throat is the more commonly known term for group A streptococcus bacteria. Online doctors on Amwell frequently treat strep throat and can help determine if you have it and if treatment is needed, or if a referral to a specialist is required. Our online providers can prescribe medication, however, please note that the decision to provide a prescription or refill is at the sole discretion of the doctor.

Our platform has an image upload feature that is extremely helpful for both providers and patients. You can take and upload a picture of your throat, helping our physicians can get a precise, detailed look before the visit even begins.

During a video consult on Amwell your doctor will ask you a series of targeted questions to determine if your symptoms point to strep throat. Then your provider will proceed to determine the best treatment plan for you. Your provider may recommend in-person examination by a specialist if this is needed. Your treatment plan is based on the duration and severity of your symptoms and your medical history. Along with these questions, the doctor may ask you to take your temperature, shine a light on the back of your throat, touch the lymph nodes in your neck and report what you feel.

Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will go over the risks and benefits of the various treatment plans. Depending on the cause and severity of the infection, your treatment plan may include:

Should A Tonsillectomy Be Performed

If a patient has six to seven recurrent strep throat infections over a one-to two-year time span, then a tonsillectomy should be considered after consulting with your primary care physician. Families should be advised that the procedure reduces the frequency of sore throats, and, specifically, strep throats, for two to three years after surgery.

About the Author

Dr. Michael E. Pichichero is currently a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY.

A graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine, Dr. Pichichero completed his postgraduate pediatric residency at the University of Colorado in Denver, followed by a Chief Residency and two fellowships resulting in board certification in Pediatrics, in Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology and in Pediatric Infectious Disease.

Dr. Pichichero is a partner in the Elmwood Pediatric Group where he continues to practice in primary care and as a subspecialist consultant.

A recipient of numerous awards and a member of most professional societies in his fields of interest, Mike has over 300 publications in infectious diseases, immunology, and allergy.

His major practice and research interests are in vaccine development, streptococcal infections, and otitis media: in each of these areas he is a prominent international authority.

You May Like: Can You Get Pet Antibiotics Over The Counter

Will Strep Throat Go Away On Its Own

We highly recommend being seen by a provider if you are concerned you may have strep throat. Strep throat typically goes away in three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. However, if you dont take antibiotics, you can remain contagious for two to three weeks and are at a higher risk for complications, such as rheumatic fever.

Whats more, complications resulting from the bacterial infection can lead to increased susceptibility to other viral infections like influenza which can be fatal.

Pro Tip: If you have been diagnosed with strep throat, you can help prevent repeat infections by changing your and your families toothbrushes and thoroughly disinfecting all surfaces that may have been in contact with the strep virus.

Living With Strep Throat

Strep throat is an infection that typically comes and goes, especially when youre younger. If you have recurring strep throat, it could be that someone in your family is a carrier of strep. Carriers have the strep bacteria in their throats, but it does not make them sick. Treating carriers can help prevent the spread of strep.

Recommended Reading: How To Prevent C Diff When On Antibiotics

Prevention Of Strep Throat

To forestall strep infection:

• Wash your hand: Proper hand-washing is the best way to forestall all styles of infections. Thats why it is critical to clean your own hands regularly with cleaning soap and water for at the least 20 seconds. Teach your young ones a way to wash their hands appropriate by use of cleaning soap and water or to use an alcohol-based totally hand sanitizer if there may be no cleansing soap and water available.
• Cover your mouth: Teach your younger ones to cover their mouths with an elbow or tissue after they cough or sneeze.
• Dont share private items: Dont share eating glasses or eating utensils. Wash dishes in warm, soapy water or in a dishwasher.

Risk Factors Of Strep Throat

Several factors can expand your risk of strep throat infection:

Young age: Strep throat occurs most often in children.

Time of year: Although strep throat can seem every time, it tends to circulate in wintry weather and early spring. Strep micro organism flourish wherever group of people are in close touch.

Recommended Reading: Antibiotic Suppression For Recurrent Uti

How Do I Know If I Have Strep Or Just A Sore Throat

Signs and symptoms of strep throat are very similar to an ordinary sore throat, but in general strep throat has: White patches on the tonsils or back of the throat. Just a sore throat without cough/cold symptoms like a runny nose or congestion. Swollen lymph nodes

Strep throat is a very common infection which causes sore throat in children. This infection usually takes around 3 to 7 days to go away on its own with or without any specific treatment. In most cases, strep goes away on its own. Antibiotics only help in minimizing the severity of the infection.

Reasons For Reoccurring Strep Throat

For some people, it is easier to get cured of strep throat, and it goes away for good. But some people have reoccurring strep throat, where its almost like a cycle that becomes seemingly impossible to break out of. Why is it for some people so easy, and for others, it is a reoccurring cycle of infection?

Don’t Miss: Antibiotic Eye Drops For Chemical Burn

Are There Any Home Remedies For Pain Relief With Strep Throat

To soothe the pain of strep throat, stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or other cool beverages. If you find warm drinks more comforting, try tea or broth. Throat lozenges, hard candies, or frozen fruit pops can also help ease your strep throat. When eating, stick to soft foods. Gargling with saltwater can also help it reduces swelling and irritation . Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt with 4 ounces of warm water and gargle with it, but dont swallow. If your strep throat is still sore, consider an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen . Never give aspirin to children under age 18.

Did The Patient Finish The Prescribed Antibiotic

Patients often do not finish the complete treatment of antibiotics. The symptoms of strep throat end quickly with antibiotics patients feel completely better within two to three days after beginning treatment. Because of this improved well being, parent motivation to continue the medicine diminishes.

Studies from hospital-based clinics and private practices have confirmed that as many as 50% of patients have stopped taking penicillin for strep throat by the third day, 70% by the sixth day, and over 80% by the ninth day. In the same populations, over 80% of the families claimed that all of the prescribed medicine had been taken.

Recommended Reading: Thrush In Mouth From Antibiotics

Does Strep Throat Go Away On Its Own

Strep throat typically goes away within three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. If strep throat is not treated with antibiotics, you may be contagious for two to three weeks and at a higher risk for complications such as rheumatic fever.

Strep throat is more common in children under the age of 19. If your child has it they may also get a red rash, called scarlet fever or scarlatina. The rash may start out as flat blotches and later turn to fine bumps that feel like sandpaper.

While these are all common signs of strep throat, a doctor cannot tell for sure if you or your child has it just by looking at your throat. A rapid strep test or throat culture are the only ways to determine whether group A Streptococcus is the cause of your illness.