carrier of strep throat

My 17 year old son gets strep throat every time he kisses a particular girl.  His physician believes she may be a carrier of strep throat but when my son discussed this with his "girl friend" she reported her Doctor said this is NOT possible.
Besides not kissing her, what can my son do?


This discussion is related to Am I a carrier for strep throat..

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Strep throat, also called acute streptococcal pharyngitis, is an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria that causes a sore throat. In addition to throat soreness, signs and symptoms typically include a fever plus tender and swollen lymph glands (nodes) in the neck.

Strep throat is highly contagious. It is spread by direct, close contact with an infected person via air-based germs. In addition, it may be spread through contamination of pillow cases, toys, toothbrushes and other often-used materials.Also, smoking and heavy drinking, which can damage the lining of the throat, increase the risk of bacterial infection.

Nonprescription over the counter drugs of ibuprofen and paracetamol (acetaminophen) both help relieve throat pain and reduce fever. The symptoms of strep throat usually improve even without treatment in five days, but the patient is contagious for several weeks. Lack of treatment or incomplete treatment of strep throat can lead to various complications.Antibiotics like penicillin or cephalosporins (for penicillin-allergic patients.)can be used.

If the symptoms persist or worsen, then pls consult your physician.

Take care and God bless.