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Streptococcal Pharyngitis - Strep Throat
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
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Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the disease?
Strep throat can be spread from person to person. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is the best way to prevent the disease and its complications. Anyone with strep throat should take antibiotics for at least 24 hours before returning to work, school, or day care. In addition, hands should be washed thoroughly and soiled tissues should be discarded promptly.
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
In most cases, there are no long-term effects from strep throat. Complications may occur if a strep infection is not treated, including the following:
What are the risks to others?
Anyone with an untreated strep throat can spread it to others.