STREP EXPOSURE

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

Close contact with strep: the child lives in a home where a sibling, parent or other household member has a throat culture or rapid-strep test that is positive for strep throat. Usually the contact is within the previous 7 days (reason: incubation period for strep is 2 to 5 days).
Limited contact with strep: Exposed to someone outside the home with a positive strep test.
Sometimes the contact is with a person who was treated for clinical symptoms of a strep infection without any culture or testing.
If the contact was with someone taking antibiotics for over 24 hours, they are not contagious.
Throat cultures and rapid strep tests aren't urgent. Most can be done in your doctor's office.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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