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Does strep throat always have a fever?

Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by admin

If your sore, scratchy throat persists for more than a few days, you may have strep throat, a bacterial infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most sore throats are caused by viruses, but bacteria cause strep throat. It is very contagious and caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus).

Your doctor will likely use a swab sample to diagnose strep throat. A swab sample is not uncomfortable for most individuals, but it may make you gag.

Throat strep is often treated with an antibiotic.

Can strep throat occur without fever?

Yes, it is possible to have strep throat without a fever.

In the initial phase of diagnosing strep throat, doctors typically look for five significant symptoms:

  • Not a Cough If you have a sore throat but are not coughing, you may have strep throat.
  • Swollen lymph nodes. Strep could be present if the lymph nodes (often incorrectly referred to as glands) at the front of your neck are swollen.
  • There are white dots on the tonsils. If you look in your mouth (with your tongue depressed) and notice white spots on your tonsils, you may have strep throat.
  • Petechiae. If you have petechiae (small red dots) on the roof of your mouth, you may have strep.
  • Fever. If you have a fever, it could be a sign of strep throat.

The larger the number of these symptoms, the greater the likelihood that you have strep throat. Despite having all of these symptoms, you may not have strep throat. You could have strep throat with only one or two of these symptoms. The only way to be sure is by analyzing a throat sample.

Evaluation of strep throat

If your physician suspects that you have strep throat, they will likely request one or both of the following tests: a fast antigen test and a throat culture.

Rapid antigen test. The doctor will obtain a throat sample using a long swab and examine it for antigen (a substance from the bacterium that stimulates an immune response). This test takes only a few minutes, but your doctor may request a throat culture even if it is negative. Your physician will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic if positive test results.

Throat culture. The doctor will obtain a sample of secretions from your tonsils and the back of your throat using a long swab. This sample will be cultivated in a laboratory to determine the presence and growth of the bacterium. Due to this, it may take up to two days to receive the results of a throat culture.

Without a fever, are you contagious if you have strep throat?

If you have strep throat, you are contagious regardless of whether you exhibit symptoms like fever.

If your physician has given you antibiotics, you should begin to feel better within two days. After 24 hours of therapy, you will no longer be contagious in most situations, according to the TIB Pharmacy.

Even if you feel better (and are likely no longer contagious) after a reasonably short time, you should continue taking all the medication your doctor gave.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), terminating an antibiotic treatment too soon may result in some germs surviving. Additionally, there is a possibility that the remaining bacteria will develop resistance to the antibiotic.

Takeaway

Even if you do not exhibit all of the classic symptoms of strep throat, such as a fever, you may still have the illness and be contagious.

Although specific symptoms are strong indicators, the only way to be sure if you have strep is to have a doctor perform a throat swab and quick testing for Streptococcal antigen or a throat culture.

Rapid antigen test

This test collects a sample from the back of your throat using a long swab. The model will next be examined under a microscope for antigens by your physician (substances from the bacterium stimulating an immune response). Your physician will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic if these positive test results. If this test is negative, your physician may request a throat culture for confirmation.

Throat culture

This test collects a sample from your tonsils and the back of your throat using a long swab. This sample is then cultivated (raised) in a laboratory to determine the presence and growth of the bacterium. This test’s results may take two days to arrive. Visit TIB Pharmacy for competent treatment, regardless of how many strep throat symptoms you are experiencing. We can swiftly and affordably eliminate your strep throat symptoms, with or without a persistent or high fever. Walk seven days each week to feel better quickly.

Protect yourself and others

Multiple cases of strep throat are possible. One who has had strep throat is not immune to acquiring it again in the future. Although there is no vaccination for strep throat, measures can be taken to protect oneself and others.

Good cleanliness can prevent infections with group A strep

The unique approach to avoiding catching or spreading group A strep is frequently washing your hands. This is particularly crucial after coughing or sneezing and food preparation and consumption.

To prevent infections caused by group A strep, you should:

  • When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue covering your mouth and nose.
  • Place used tissues in the trash can.
  • If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow instead of your hands.
  • Hands should be washed often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand rub in the absence of soap and water.
  • After a sick person has used glasses, cutlery, and plates, you should also clean them. Once washed, these products are safe for use by others.

Read Also: Reasons to buy health insurance if you have diabetes

Olivia Rodriguez

Olivia Rodriguez is a registered dietitian and health coach with a passion for helping people lead healthier lives. With over 8 years of experience in the field, Olivia has worked with individuals and families to develop personalized nutrition and wellness plans that promote optimal health and well-being. She is a frequent contributor to health and wellness publications and has written extensively on topics such as plant-based nutrition, weight management, and chronic disease prevention. Olivia believes that good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, and her mission is to help people make sustainable changes that improve their health and happiness. When she's not working with clients or writing, Olivia enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, and exploring new healthy food options.

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