Strep throat is a sore throat that is caused by bacteria known as group A Streptococcus. Strep throat is a common diagnosis and most frequently used in children ages 5-15 years old. The bacteria is spread through infected people coughing and sneezing, which projects small droplets into the air and onto nearby surfaces. You can get strep throat by breathing in these droplets, touching an infected surface and then touching your mouth/nose area, or by eating and drinking after someone who is infected. The most common symptoms are sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, and red/swollen tonsils. Children also experience headaches and nausea or vomiting. Strep can be diagnosed quickly with only a throat swab and treated with antibiotics. Our office has PCR testing for strep, which provides results in 15 minutes. If you are experiencing any symptoms consistent with Strep, call our office to get a PCR test at (615)376-8195 for the Cool Springs location or (615)435-3854 for the North Franklin location. To read more about strep throat visit https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html.
