What's Going Around? - Strep Throat

The feeling is familiar: you are going about your busy day when you feel a slight soreness in your throat. Or, your child comes home and complains of a sore throat. Is it just a slight irritation or something more serious – possibly strep throat?

Strep throat is highly contagious. This bacterial infection can be spread through the air, by sharing food or drinks, or by touching a contaminated surface (like a door knob) and then touching your nose, eyes or mouth. That is why strep throat often spreads in schools and is most common in the 5–15 age group.

Symptoms of strep throat can include:

· Sore throat

· Difficulty swallowing

· Fever

· Red, swollen tonsils - sometimes with streaks of pus

· Headache

· Swollen lymph glands on the neck

· Stomach pain and nausea, especially in younger children

· Fatigue