Strep: What it is and how to steer clear Published May 15, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- With infection, influenza, bacteria, and who knows what else floating in the air, those who have not been sick yet this year are a lucky bunch. Maybe these people have super immune systems. Or, maybe they have taken an extra step in preventing illnesses that can easily infect an entire workplace, especially when working in close quarters. One of these prevalent illnesses is group A streptococcus, commonly known as "strep throat," a mild form of GAS. Strep is caused by streptococcal bacteria in the throat that can bring about unnecessary discomfort. There is no particular season for strep, but it usually occurs most in the winter when people are cooped up together and not practicing good infection control, said Capt. Glenn Little, 92nd Medical Operations Squadron physician's assistant. Strep is a bacterial infection of the tissues in the back of the throat and is spread through direct contact with mucus from the nose or throat of an infected person. People who are ill with this infection and experience symptoms are more likely to spread it than carriers who have no symptoms. The range of symptoms that may be present in a person infected with strep include inflammation and irritation in the tissues of the throat that may suddenly cause it to become sore, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, white or yellow spots on the back of a bright red throat, headache, and abdominal pain. Commonly, these symptoms will develop within two to five days after coming in contact with someone who has a strep infection. Strep usually does not occur with symptoms of the common cold, said Captain Little. Strep throat can be diagnosed by either a rapid strep test or a throat culture, though the throat culture is usually done to confirm the results of the rapid strep test. If a test shows positive, treatment with antibiotics is highly encouraged as it kills the bacteria, shortens that time the person may be contagious, and reduces the risk of complications. "Strep usually responds well to penicillin or other antibiotics," Captain Little said. "If untreated it can cause kidney damage, skin infections, and in some cases, some may have to get their tonsils removed." A common question after reviewing such information may be, "What can I do to prevent myself from contracting this bacterial infection?" "The biggest thing people can do to prevent getting strep is washing hands and staying hydrated," advised Captain Little. Other ways to avoid strep are to avoid contact with anyone already infected, touching doorknobs, faucets, telephones and other objects as they may be infected by the bacteria from an infected person's cough, sneeze or breath. It is a good idea to eat well, get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly to keep the body's immune system in good working order. Also, managing stress can strengthen the body's ability to fight illness. Keeping these few tips in mind may keep the discomfort of strep throat and other illnesses at bay. (Information from WebMD and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites was used in this story.)