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Strep Throat Guide: Symptoms, Treatment And Tips For Prevention
If you've ever woken up feeling down in the dumps with a slight tickle in your throat, you know strep throat may come to mind as a culprit.
Although we've left winter behind, the public is still susceptible to easily spreadable ailments including colds, flu and strep throat.
What is strep throat?Strep throat symptoms are usually more severe than a sore throat caused by a cold.
Strep throat is caused by a bacteria called streptococcus. Strep threat most frequently occurs among school-age children but can occur at any age, according to the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH).
If strep throat is left untreated or is recurring, scarlet fever could occur with it.
How does strep throat spread?Strep throat spreads from person to person by direct contact with throat and nose secretions from an infected individual.
Items like toys, cups, plates and other household items do not contribute significantly to disease transmission, according to DPH.
Strep throat symptomsSymptoms of strep throat include headache, muscle aches, fever, sore throat, a rash (with scarlet fever), stomachache, swollen and tender neck glands, and fever (up to 104 degrees).
How to diagnose strep throatStrep throat is diagnosed by visiting a healthcare provider and getting a test done.
A doctor will swab the back of your throat for a rapid strep test, which detects if there is a presence of the strep bacteria. Results usually are available the same day from the doctor's office. If the swab is sent to a laboratory, it can take one to two days.
Treatment for strep throatGet to know the signs and symptoms of strep throat, a sore throat and tonsillitis and when to call your primary care provider.
Strep throat is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider.
The entire antibiotic prescription must be finished, although most patients feel better before the treatment is completely done. Using the entire prescription prevents complications and recurring infection from arising.
If you have strep throat, stay home from school, work or daycare for 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
If strep throat is not treated, kidney problems or rheumatic fever can become an issue.
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Strep throat preventionTo prevent yourself from getting strep throat or from giving it to others, the main way to curb transmission is to properly take your antibiotics.
Other ways to prevent strep throat transmission include not sharing food or drinks, washing your hands and covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing if you have strep throat.
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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Strep throat symptoms, treatment and prevention: What to know
Is It COVID-19 Or The Flu? New Sensor Could Tell You In 10 Seconds
Have a cough, sore throat and congestion? Any number of respiratory viruses could be responsible. Conventional tests can identify certain likely culprits by relying on chemical reactions, but some researchers want to swap chemistry for electrical changes sensed by nanomaterials. Today, scientists report using a single-atom-thick nanomaterial to build a device that can simultaneously detect the presence of the viruses that cause COVID-19 and the flu—at much lower levels and much more quickly than conventional tests for either.
The researchers will present their results at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS Spring 2023 is a hybrid meeting being held virtually and in-person March 26–30.
The symptoms of both flu and COVID-19 overlap considerably, making it difficult to distinguish between them, notes Deji Akinwande, Ph.D., who is presenting the work at the meeting.
"When both of these viruses are circulating together as they did earlier this winter, it would be immensely useful to have a sensor that can simultaneously detect whether you have COVID, flu, none of the above or both," he says.
Akinwande, who is at The University of Texas at Austin, says that the device he and colleagues are developing could be modified to test for other infections as well.
The group, including Dmitry Kireev, Ph.D., a postdoc in Akinwande's lab, constructed the COVID-19 and flu sensor using graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice pattern. Its extreme thinness renders graphene highly sensitive to any electrical changes in its environment. Akinwande and other researchers see enormous potential in using it and other, similar nanomaterials to create sensors for many different applications.
"These ultra-thin nanomaterials generally hold the record for best sensitivity, even down to the detection of single atoms, and they can improve the ability to detect very small quantities of basically anything that needs to be sensed, whether it's bacteria or viruses, in gas or in blood," Akinwande says.
Previously, his group reported designing a graphene-based temporary tattoo that could monitor blood pressure. The tattoo consists of pairs of sensors placed along the arteries of the arm. One half of each pair sends out an electrical current that its partner detects. This signal is used to determine blood flow.
To build the infection sensor, the researchers had to make graphene respond to the presence of viral protein. To do so, they looked to the immune system, which produces antibodies that are fine-tuned to recognize and latch onto particular pathogens. The researchers linked antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and against the flu virus to graphene. When a sample from an infected person is placed on the sensor, these antibodies bind to their target proteins, prompting a change in the electrical current.
The researchers did not have the safety facilities needed to use whole, active flu or SARS-CoV-2 viruses to test the roughly square-inch sensor. To substitute, they used proteins from these viruses delivered in fluid intended to resemble saliva. Their results indicated that not only could the sensor detect the presence of the proteins, it could do so when they were present at extremely low quantities. This sensitivity suggested the sensor could be used for detecting the much more sparse viral particles found in breath, Akinwande says.
The sensor also worked quickly, returning results within about 10 seconds of dropping in a sample, he says. By comparison, conventional COVID-19 tests can take minutes or hours, depending on the type, and a dual COVID and flu test recently authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration takes about half an hour to produce results.
Akinwande and his group are working to improve its performance further, including by expanding the slate of viruses it can detect. With funding from the National Science Foundation, they are developing a sensor designed to test for SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as omicron and delta. While they are currently focusing on a two-variant design, the test could be adapted to simultaneously identify even more, they say.
More information: ACS Spring 2023: Unconventional applications of 2D materials from memory devices to COVID sensors and wearable health, www.Acs.Org/meetings/acs-meetings/spring-2023.Html
Citation: Is it COVID-19 or the flu? New sensor could tell you in 10 seconds (2023, March 28) retrieved 31 March 2023 from https://phys.Org/news/2023-03-covid-flu-sensor-seconds.Html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
Sore Throat & Headache: Causes & Treatments
Sore throat and headache are common symptoms that may occur together, like with the flu or allergies. A sore throat is pain or scratchiness of the throat, whereas a headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face.
This article will review the health conditions associated with a sore throat and headache. It will also explore the treatment and possible prevention of these conditions.
Symptoms of Sore Throat and HeadacheSymptoms of a sore throat or headache depend on the cause.
Sore ThroatA sore throat presents as a scratchy, uncomfortable, dry, or tender sensation in the throat. The discomfort or pain can be mild or severe and may worsen with swallowing or talking.
Signs and symptoms that can accompany a sore throat include:
Most sore throats are not dangerous except in rare instances. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your or your child's sore throat is accompanied by the following:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Trouble opening your mouth
Drooling or muffled ("hot potato") voice
Headaches vary in location, severity, and quality and are classified as primary or secondary headaches.
Primary headaches have no underlying cause, whereas secondary headaches arise from an underlying health-related condition or other factor (e.G., illness or medication).
Two of the most common primary headaches are:
Tension-type headaches cause a mild to moderate squeezing or tightening sensation around the head.
Migraine headaches cause throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. Nausea or vomiting and light and sound sensitivity are also often present.
There are multiple secondary causes for a headache, and what the headache feels like depends on that underlying cause.
For example, a sinus headache develops from inflammation, infection, or a sinus structural abnormality, like polyps (benign growths) or cysts.
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Sinus headaches cause dull pain or pressure in the forehead, cheeks, or behind the eyes. The pain often worsens when the affected person bends forward or lies down.
Most headaches are not dangerous except in rare instances. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your or your child's headache is:
Severe, begins abruptly, and/or is the "worst headache of your life"
Accompanied by head trauma, high fever, stiff neck, eye problems, passing out, confusion, or stroke symptoms
A few health conditions can cause both sore throat and headache.
Viral InfectionsViral infections are illnesses you get from a tiny germ called a virus.
The following viral infections may cause both a sore throat and headache:
The common cold is a group of illnesses caused by different viruses, like the rhinovirus. Colds are generally mild, lasting three to seven days.
Influenza, known as the flu, causes more severe symptoms, like muscle pain and high fever, than the common cold. A headache is much more likely to occur with influenza than a cold.
COVID-19 is a widespread coronavirus that first appeared in late 2019. Symptoms vary from person to person and can be mild or severe. You should test for COVID-19 if you have a sore throat and/or headache.
Mononucleosis, also called mono, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It's common in adolescents and young adults and is generally a mild illness, although the fatigue associated with mono can be severe.
Sinusitis refers to swelling of the lining of the nose and sinuses (hollow spaces within the facial bones). It's associated with thick nasal drainage and facial pressure, most commonly due to a viral infection.
With these infections, a sore throat may develop from the offending virus attacking the back of the throat, causing it to swell and turn red.
Postnasal drip—when mucus in the nose and sinuses drips down the throat—also contributes to irritation, especially with viral sinusitis.
Viral infections can cause headaches for a few different reasons, such as:
Nose and sinus congestion may lead to a sinus headache.
The inflammatory impact of the virus on the brain and nervous system can cause a headache resembling a tension-type or migraine headache.
Excess cytokine release has been studied as a cause of headaches in COVID-19 and other infections. Cytokines are small proteins that help your body fight infections. Some cytokines promote inflammation, triggering unpleasant symptoms like headaches.
COVID-19 headaches are moderate to severe in intensity, occur on both sides of the head, and have a pressing or throbbing quality.
Bacterial InfectionsCertain bacterial infections cause a sore throat and headache.
Group A Streptococcus infection of the throat, which may involve the tonsils, is known as strep throat. It occurs in up to 30% of children and 15% of adults with sore throats.
The bacteria from group A Streptococcus inflame the tonsils causing them to become red, swollen, tender, and sometimes streaked with pus (a whitish-yellow liquid).
Besides sore throat and other classic strep symptoms like fever and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, headache may also be present, especially in children.
Meningitis is inflammation of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It classically causes fever, neck stiffness, and headache. The meningitis headache is severe, felt all over the head, and may resemble a migraine.
Cold-like symptoms like a sore throat or cough may also occur in meningitis, sometimes before the onset of the headache. These cold-like symptoms are more typical of viral vs. Bacterial meningitis.
Allergic RhinitisAllergic rhinitis describes inflammation of the inside of the nose due to exposure to specific allergens (harmless proteins that a person's immune system may overreact to).
Postnasal drip can cause a sore throat in allergic rhinitis. Swelling and irritation of the throat may also cause it to feel itchy, along with the nose, eyes, and inner ears.
Nasal congestion with allergic rhinitis can trigger a headache. Sometimes, the headache associated with allergic rhinitis mimics that of a migraine.
Related:The Difference Between Migraine and Sinus Headache
How to Treat Sore Throat and HeadacheVarious therapies treat conditions associated with a sore throat and headache.
Sore Throat RemediesMost sore throats can be treated at home with an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, such as:
Be sure to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any OTC drugs, as they may potentially cause harm. For example, NSAIDs can increase a person's risk of stomach bleeding, heart attack, and stroke.
Besides OTC pain relievers, various home remedies can help soothe throat pain. These include throat lozenges containing a numbing agent like benzocaine and lemon tea mixed with honey.
Sometimes, a person may need another type of medication to treat the underlying cause of the sore throat (and headache).
For instance, a person with strep throat needs an antibiotic like Amoxil (amoxicillin). Likewise, a high-risk individual with influenza or COVID-19 may require an antiviral drug, such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir), respectively.
People with suspected EBV infections should be advised to refrain from contact sports owing to the increased risk of splenic rupture secondary to EBV.
Related:How a Sore Throat Is Treated
Headache RemediesTylenol or an NSAID, the same OTC painkiller used to treat a sore throat, can alleviate headaches. Home remedies like placing a cold compress on your head or napping in a dark, quiet room can also be helpful.
As with sore throats, the root cause of the headache may require treatment with a prescription drug. For example, a person with meningitis requires treatment with intravenous (IV) antibiotics or antiviral drugs.
Likewise, a steroid nasal spray like Flonase (fluticasone propionate) is best for treating allergy-related symptoms.
In some cases, a particular type of headache medication is needed to relieve severe or persistent headaches. For instance, a person with severe migraine may require a triptan, such as Imitrex (sumatriptan).
Related:How Headaches Are Treated
What About Young Children?It's essential to talk with a pediatrician if your child is experiencing a sore throat and headache. The above treatments may not be appropriate for them.
Notably, the NSAID aspirin should be avoided in kids under 19, as it's linked to a potentially fatal condition called Reye's syndrome. Also, avoid giving honey to babies under 1 year old to prevent botulism, a potentially fatal nervous system condition.
Lastly, children younger than 5 should not use throat lozenges for throat pain due to the risk of choking.
How to Prevent Sore Throat and HeadacheYou can prevent yourself or your child from getting sick and developing a sore throat and headache by hand-washing frequently and ensuring updated vaccinations (e.G., the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot).
Infections can also be prevented by boosting your immune system with the following lifestyle behaviors:
Eating a well-balanced diet
Engaging in daily physical activity
Establishing a regular sleep schedule
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake
Lastly, trigger avoidance, if possible, is a valuable preventive strategy for allergic rhinitis, a common cause of sore throat and headache. Skin testing at an allergist's office can help identify specific allergens (substances that trigger an allergic reaction). Common ones include dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.
Related:How to Treat and Prevent Spring Allergies
When to See a Healthcare ProviderMost sore throats and headaches are not worrisome, though they sometimes can be the first signs of something serious in your body. See a healthcare provider if your or your child's sore throat or headache is severe, persistent, or worsening.
Also, seek medical attention if your (or your child's) sore throat is accompanied by the following:
Likewise, to be safe, if you have a headache, see a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, postpartum, or have a history of cancer or a weakened immune system.
SummarySore throat and headache may coexist in various health conditions, including strep throat, allergies, and viral infections like the flu and COVID-19. Over-the-counter pain relievers can often treat a sore throat and headache, although other medications or therapies may be needed, depending on the underlying cause.
A person can help prevent most conditions that cause a sore throat and headache by avoiding allergen triggers (if relevant) and engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors like eating a healthy diet and exercising. Washing your hands and staying updated on vaccinations are also preventive strategies.
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