At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What is a Strep Throat Carrier?
Strep throat is a painful bacterial infection of the throat area that can be extremely contagious. Bacteria are often spread between children at schools and daycare centers. A strep throat carrier is an individual who has the step throat infection. This individual typically remains contagious for 24 hours after beginning an antibiotics treatment.
A strep throat carrier can pass these bacteria through exchanging bodily fluids. This includes drinking, kissing, or sneezing on another individual. If a person suspects he has strep throat, he should seek medical attention. Most doctors have a quick strep test that can detect strep throat within a few minutes. Once detected, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics that will kill the bacteria within a few days.
It is often difficult to determine if a sore throat is strep throat. The most obvious sign is fever. An infected individual typically has a fever greater then 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). If an individual has symptoms of sore throat with a high fever he may be a carrier of strep throat.
Strep throat is most common in children. This can typically be linked to hygiene habits and exposure to infected children. If a strep throat carrier places a toy in his mouth, the toy becomes infected. The next child who plays with the toy will typically extract the germs with his hands, which passes of the infection.
There are many over-the-counter medicines available for sore throats. These medicines treat the pain of a sore throat but do not kill the infection. Most individuals who suffer from strep throat will find the over-the-counter medicines ineffective. This is because the infection causes more pain than a standard throat irritation.
Some children are extremely susceptible to throat infections. This typically leads to tonsillitis. If a child has continued throat infections, most doctors will recommend removing the tonsils. This will reduce the likelihood of future infections in the throat area.
Today, with the common flu pandemics and infections common in public places, many people use hand sanitizers. This is a hand-washing product that is based on anti-bacterial soap. Hand sanitizers can be purchased in small packages, which makes them easy to keep in automobiles, backpacks, or work desks.
Strep throat can be contracted from touching objects that have been infected by a strep throat carrier. This includes desks, books, bathrooms doors, or public transportation doors and handles. A strong focus on oral hygiene is the best deterrent for strep throat.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![A crossection of the human head, including the throat.]()
By: pixelcaosA crossection of the human head, including the throat. -
![A strep throat carrier is someone who has a strep throat infection.]()
By: Artem FurmanA strep throat carrier is someone who has a strep throat infection. -
![A fast diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are critical to preventing strep throat transmission.]()
By: NorGalA fast diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are critical to preventing strep throat transmission. -
![Strep throat can be passed to another person through sneezing.]()
By: Graça VictoriaStrep throat can be passed to another person through sneezing. -
![A sore throat accompanied by high fever may indicate strep throat.]()
By: robhainerA sore throat accompanied by high fever may indicate strep throat. -
![Anyone who suspects they have strep throat should see a doctor.]()
By: Alexander RathsAnyone who suspects they have strep throat should see a doctor.
Discussion Comments
@Mammmood - The problem with strep throat symptoms is that they are very similar to symptoms of a common sore throat viral infection. In both cases you have a sore throat with a fever.
This was the case with one of my kids—he was initially misdiagnosed as just having a sore throat and given the appropriate medication.
It was only a few days later, after the swollen lymph nodes showed up along with white spots on his tongue, that the doctors determined it was strep throat and put him on antibiotics.
Unfortunately, the price you pay for having the wrong diagnosis from the beginning is lingering symptoms.
Daycare centers have to be the worst offenders for spreading this kind of sickness in my opinion. We had our 3 year old toddler at a daycare and within two weeks she came back with strep throat symptoms like swollen lymph nodes and a fever. At first we wondered if she was the strep throat carrier herself, but later found out it was one of the other kids who had the sickness and they pulled him out for treatment.
The problem with this kind of ailment is that you can have the infection for two to three weeks without knowing you have it, all the time spreading it to other kids before realizing you’re the carrier. We had to get her treated with antibiotics and she was fine after a few days. We switched day care centers after that.
Post your comments