Yahoo: How do you get strep throat? Watch out for these early signs of the highly contagious illness How do you get strep throat? Watch out for these early signs of the highly contagious illness UUHC Health Feed: Diagnosing Strep Throat in Children: What Parents Need to Know Does your child have strep throat, or is it just a common cold?

Understanding the Context

It's challenging but important for parents to understand the differences in throat infections in kids. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, ... Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by a bacteria called group A streptococcus, which is also known as Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacteria lives in the nose and...

Key Insights

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throats. If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. The bacteria that cause strep throat are most commonly found in the nose and throat of an infected person. The bacteria can travel from one person to another through droplets and secretions released when the infected person coughs or sneezes.

Final Thoughts

Streptococcal is a type of bacteria that can cause strep throat (group A) or blood infections (group B). Learn how they can be prevented and treated.