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Strep throat in adults is a viral infection of the throat caused by a bacteria named streptococcus. It's a very common illness that affects millions, but if it is treated in time it can be cured easily and it causes no serious trouble. But if nothing is done against it the infection can spread and you'll need immediate treatment.
Anyone can get strep throat because the streptococcus is spread through the air. The virus can also be acquired by touching the same object that an infected person has touched, or if you breathe the air where someone with streptococcus just sneezed.
The first sign that appears after you are infected with the streptococcus is a sore throat, that keeps getting worse although you take the regular medication. Then fever can start out of nowhere. These symptoms are also the normal cold symptoms and the two diseases can be confused easily. The main difference is that the fever caused by cold is usually milder, usually under 38C, while the strep throat fever stays above 38C. Cold is also accompanied by sneezing and a runny nose, which don't appear when you have strep throat.
Afterwards the throat turns a bright red color and the tonsils and lymph nodes swallow visibly. Sometimes a headache and abdominal pain occur and the patient has a state of fatigue and illness because of the infection.
If you discover that any of the symptoms above are present you should visit your doctor soon. Based on the symptoms you have experienced and on a strep culture taken from the throat the doctor places the diagnose. The strep culture is taken by inserting a cotton swab in the throat and rubbing it on the walls. The results of the culture are usually processed in a few days so if the symptoms indicate towards an infection antibiotics are prescribed before the results come so that time is not waisted.
The infection is cured in 2-3 days after the antibiotic treatment begins because they are very efficient in killing the streptococcus. Although the symptoms disappear you must still take the medication until all the viral cells are eliminated or else strep throat can re-appear.
In conclusion strep throat in adults is not a serious condition it but should not be overlooked for it can become dangerous. Just listen to the doctor's advice and take the right amount of medication and everything will be just fine.
By: Groshan Fabiola
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