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Strep throats are unpleasant. Contrary to common belief, they are also contagious. When you get familiar with strep throat symptoms and treatments, it can help you avoid unnecessary complications for yourself and for others if one does occur.

While the bacteria involved in a strep throat may cause a sore throat, this is often not the case. Instead, there are other symptoms which are more common to this medical condition. One common symptom of a strep throat is a headache which results from sensitivity to light. The person who has a strep throat may be extremely bothered by sunlight or the light from the sun.

Many people who suffer from strep throat also experience nausea. This may include vomiting, or simply feeling nauseated. Strep throats also cause a person to feel a general sense of unwellness and fatigue. He may want to sleep much more than he ordinarily does.

In many cases, strep throat is accompanied by dehydration. As strep throat reduces a person's sense of taste, he may be tempted to avoid drinking liquids, and exacerbate the problem. If you have a strep throat, it is essential to drink plenty of cool, fresh liquid, especially water, even if you cannot taste it.

If you suspect that you may have developed a strep throat, you should consult your physician immediately. The first step should consist of an evaluation, which is a simple process. The test for strep throat involves obtaining a throat culture. Your throat will be swabbed with a cotton swab, and the culture will be tested in a laboratory. While this test is annoying, it is not painful. An untreated strep throat has the potential to lead to more serious medical problems, so timely treatment is essential.

The appropriate treatment for a strep throat is antibiotics. You will be prescribed a course of antibiotics which you must take for a specific period of time, usually between ten days and two weeks. While your doctor will tell you the specifics, a course of antibiotics for strep throat usually involves taking the medication three or four times per day. Although penicillin has long been the standard treatment, many physicians prefer different types of antibiotics. You must let your doctor know if you have any allergies to medications. If you are unable to swallow pills, you can request a liquid form.

In the past, patients were instructed to avoid contact with other people until they have completed their course of antibiotics. Today, many physicians do not adhere to this recommendation. It is still necessary to take sensible precautions so that you do not spread the bacteria to others in your environment. Children who have been diagnosed with strep throat should not go to school until they are well.

In addition to antibiotics and plenty of liquids, treating strep throat includes getting as much sleep and quality rest as you can. Even if you do not feel very ill, there is bacteria in your body which can weaken your system. This is a good time to give yourself a break from your daily activities so that your body has the chance to recover.