Sore Throat (cont.)
Medical Author:
David A Halperin, MD
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Thomas Rebbecchi, MD, FAAEM
IN THIS ARTICLE
PreventionAvoiding close contact with ill people can help you from getting a throat infection. Cold viruses appear to be more readily transmitted than streptococcal infections. Only about 25% of family members exposed to strepdevelop strep throat. Usually a person with strep throat becomes noninfectious within 24 hours after the first antibiotic dose. The incubation period (the time between exposure to strep germs and onset of illness) is usually 2-5 days. Children should stay home from school and day care during infectious periods. Viewer Comments & ReviewsSore Throat (Pharyngitis) - Length Symptoms LastedThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:How long did the symptoms of your sore throat (pharyngitis) last? Was there anything in particular that helped with pain/symptom relief? Sore Throat - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What treatment was effective for your sore throat? |
Living Better
Find the secrets to longer life.
From WebMD
Cold and Flu Resources
- Your Guide to the Flu Vaccine
- How to Keep Your Family Safe From Germs
- The Dirtiest Places Kids Will Find
Featured Centers
- Ask the Nutritionist: Weight Loss Tips
- Which Drugstore Tooth Whiteners Work Best?
- Gout: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Pharyngitis »
Pharyngitis is a leading cause of pediatric ambulatory care visits.
Featured Topics
Medical Dictionary
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick,
easy,
pill identification
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including
24 hour
pharmacies

