Streptococcus, or strep for short, is a bacteria that can cause a wide range of infections in humans. While some strains of strep are harmless, others can be quite serious and even life-threatening.
Understanding the symptoms and causes of strep is important for protecting your health.
Types of Streptococcus
There are several types of streptococcus bacteria that can cause infections in humans. These include:.
- Streptococcus pyogenes: This is the most common type of strep and can cause a variety of infections including strep throat, scarlet fever, impetigo, and necrotizing fasciitis (a serious skin infection).
- Streptococcus pneumoniae: This is also known as pneumococcus and can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections.
- Streptococcus agalactiae: This type of strep can cause infections in newborns and pregnant women.
- Group D streptococcus: This includes several different strains of strep that can cause infections such as urinary tract infections, endocarditis, and sepsis.
Symptoms of Strep Infections
The symptoms of strep infections can vary depending on the type of strep and the area of the body that is infected. Some common symptoms of strep infections include:.
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Skin rash
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Muscle aches and pains
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. While some strep infections can be treated with antibiotics, others may require more aggressive treatment or hospitalization.
Causes of Strep Infections
Strep infections are caused by the streptococcus bacteria. These bacteria can be spread in a number of ways including:.
- Direct contact with an infected person
- Through the air (such as when someone with strep throat coughs or sneezes)
- By touching a surface contaminated with strep bacteria and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes
Strep infections are more common in young children and teenagers, but they can affect people of all ages. Factors that may increase your risk of developing a strep infection include:.
- Living in close quarters (such as a dormitory or military barracks)
- Having a weakened immune system
- Not getting enough sleep
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Having other medical conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease)
Preventing Strep Infections
There are a number of steps you can take to help prevent strep infections. These include:.
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- Washing your hands regularly
- Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Avoiding contact with people who are sick
- Not sharing personal items such as utensils, towels, or toothbrushes
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a vaccination to help protect against strep infections, such as the pneumococcal vaccine.
Treatment for Strep Infections
If you are diagnosed with a strep infection, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe antibiotics to help kill the bacteria.
It’s important to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and to finish the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better.
In addition to antibiotics, there are a few things you can do at home to help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery:.
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Get plenty of rest
- Use over-the-counter pain relief medication (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to help reduce fever and relieve pain
- Gargle with warm saltwater to soothe a sore throat
If you have a more serious strep infection (such as necrotizing fasciitis), hospitalization may be required. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue or repair damage caused by the infection.
Conclusion
Strep infections can be serious and even life-threatening if left untreated. By understanding the symptoms and causes of strep, you can take steps to protect your health and seek appropriate treatment if necessary.
If you suspect you may have a strep infection, be sure to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
