Strep Throat (Sore Throat, Tonsillitis)

Strep Throat
(Sore Throat, Tonsillitis)
What is it?
*Caused by virus, occur with or after a cold
*Caused by dry air, smoking, air pollution, yelling
*People with allergies or stuffy nose breathe through noses at night
*Inflammation of the tonsils or adenoids- common in children
*Strep Throat - caused by streptococcal bacteria - common in children 3 to 15
years of age
*Can get strep throat even if tonsils are removed
What are the Symptoms?
*Fever, swollen lymph nodes, tired, runny nose, cough, pain to swallow,
tonsils are bright red, spotted with pus, swollen, headache, vomiting
*Can contribute to ear infection - blocking of tubes between ears and throat
*Strep Throat Symptoms - fever and sudden sore throat, fever 101 or higher,
swollen lymph nodes in the neck, white or yellow coating on the tonsils
*Mono- common among teens and young adults contacted by kissing -
severe sore throat, fatigue, fever, body aches, weakness, swollen neck
lymph nodes, enlargement of the spleen is less common
What do I need to do?
*See Physician
*Strep throat- treated with antibiotics to prevent rheumatic fever - start
within 9 days of onset
*Mono- diagnosed with monospot test
*Rest, drink plenty of fluids, gargle for throat pain, avoid smoke, fumes and
yelling, wash hands frequently, don’t share utensils, don’t kiss, don’t give
blood