How to know if you have strep throat?
Generally, how to know if you have strep throat is when a sore throat lasts for more than a week or you have symptoms like high fever, reddened throat, and tonsils as well. Strep throat is usually caused by a group A streptococcus bacteria. There is no preparation needed before the test is done, although no antibiotics should be prescribed beforehand.
How is the strep test done?
How the strep test is done is by inserting a swab into the mouth and it is rubbed against the back of the throat and tonsils. The swab with the sample is then either tested at the doctor’s
office or sent to a laboratory to be tested.
What is being tested during a strep test?
For strep throat, what is tested is the group A strep (GAS) and it is also the most common bacterial cause of inflammation of the back of the throat. Strep throat is most common for children and teens aged 5 – 15 years and older. It is key to treat strep throat infections properly with the correct antibiotics since it is very contagious as well.
A strep throat test is used to identify if your sore throat is strep throat caused by group A strep. There are 2 different types of tests done,
1. Rapid Strep Test – This test can be used to identify group A strep proteins (antigens) If the rapid strep test is positive, treatment with antibiotics can be started immediately.
2. Throat Culture – If the RADT is negative and your doctor still suspects strep, then this can be performed. This is more sensitive than a rapid strep test but the results usually take 24 or 48 hours.
How long does the antibiotic treatment for strep throat last?
The treatment usually lasts for 10 – 14 days and this depends on the antibiotic prescribed as well. Even if your symptoms improve or disappear, a full course of treatment should be completed by taking the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
You should always keep yourself healthy so that you can live a long-lasting healthy life!
“If you need more information about a strep throat test, you can contact us for more details or if you have any of the symptoms then you can schedule an appointment with us to get the test done!…”
