Introduction
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that affects millions of people every year. While it can cause discomfort, it is usually not fatal. However, in rare cases, strep throat can lead to serious complications that can pose a threat to the patient’s life. As such, it is important to be aware of its risks and to seek treatment promptly when symptoms arise. In this article, we will explore the question of whether you can die from strep throat, and provide insight and guidance on how to stay safe and healthy.
Understanding Strep Throat: Is It Really Fatal?
Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets coming from a person who is infected. Common symptoms of strep throat include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. While most people will recover within a week or so, in some cases, the infection can lead to more serious complications.
Potential complications of strep throat include:
- Rheumatic fever
- Kidney damage
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Meningitis
Can strep throat be fatal?
In rare cases, strep throat can lead to life-threatening complications, such as sepsis or Necrotizing fasciitis- a flesh-eating bacterial infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1 in 10 people with invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (GAS) will die. Fortunately, serious complications resulting in mortality are very rare among those with strep throat infections.
The Truth About Strep Throat and Death
Likelihood of dying from strep throat
While dying from strep throat is a remote possibility, it is important to take the bacterial infection seriously and treat it promptly when symptoms arise. Adults are less likely to get severely ill. However, infants, young children, elderly adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications, which can include difficulty breathing, dehydration, and blood infection. Seeking medical attention should become a priority if any of these complications arise.
Risk factors for life-threatening complications
Strep throat complications are more likely to occur in individuals with weakened immune systems such as:
- Diabetes
- Chronic heart, lung, or liver disease
- Cancer
- Lack of a spleen
- Blood disorders or organ transplant recipients
- HIV/AIDS
How to prevent strep throat from becoming dangerous
One of the most important things one can do to prevent complications from strep throat is to seek prompt medical attention when symptoms arise. Antibiotic therapy will most often be used to treat the infection and reduce the chances of complications. Patients should take all prescribed antibiotics and complete treatment even after they start to feel better. It is also important to get adequate rest, eat healthily, practice good hygiene, wash your hands frequently, and avoid contact with people who are ill with infections. This is key in preventing the spread of the infection and acquiring more severe infection.
Strep Throat vs. Other Illnesses: How Deadly is it?
Compared to some other common illnesses such as the flu and colds, strep throat is not nearly as dangerous. While all of these illnesses can cause uncomfortable symptoms, only the flu and other respiratory infections are associated with mortality. The overall mortality rate for the flu in the United States is estimated to be around 0.1%, whereas group A strep infections cause an estimated 1,3000-1,800 fatalities annually. This rate puts strep throat significantly lower on the list of health concerns.
Surviving Strep Throat: How to Increase Your Chances
Although rare, life-threatening complications of strep throat disease can occur. This is why prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical. There are several things you can do to help prevent complications from developing:
- Stay hydrated
- Get plenty of rest
- Take pain relievers to help ease pain and inflammation
- Drink warm, soothing liquids like broth, tea, and warm water with honey and/or lemon, this can help relieve a sore throat
- Avoid smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer to keep throat moist
If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe abdominal pain, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Stories of Survival: How These People Survived Strep Throat
There are many stories of people recovering from severe cases of strep throat. Prompt diagnosis of the condition and treatment can increase the chances of a full recovery. This is why it is essential to see a qualified medical professional if you suspect that you or someone you love has strep throat.
A common factor between these stories is that medical treatment was sought timely. A member of the audience was diagnosed with strep throat, and Although feeling sick, they took the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor as instructed and completed the course. Fortunately, within a few days, the symptoms began to subside, and full recovery was made.
Why Ignoring Strep Throat Can Be Deadly
Ignoring symptoms of strep throat can be dangerous as there is a chance of complications. Common complications include Rheumatic fever, kidney damage, peritonsillar abscess, and meningitis; other harmful infections like sepsis and flesh-eating bacterial infection can also be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if the symptoms persist or worsen. While most complications are treatable, treatment is often more effective when the condition is caught early.
Strep Throat 101: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe
Causes of strep throat
Strep throat is caused by bacteria known as Group A Streptococcus. These bacteria can live in the nose and throat of healthy people without causing any symptoms.
Symptoms of strep throat
Common symptoms of strep throat include:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Painful swallowing
- Swollen tonsils and lymph node
- Headaches
Potential complications
Potential complications stemming from strep throat can include:
- Rheumatic fever
- Kidney damage
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Meningitis
Treatment options available
Antibiotics commonly used to treat strep throat include penicillin and amoxicillin. Each course of antibiotics usually lasts for 10 days, but if symptoms persist beyond this point, then further treatment might be sought. Complications arising from strep throat infection might also require separate treatment, and as such, proper consultation with the treating doctor is advised.
When to seek medical attention
If you or your loved one show any of the following symptoms or have intense pain, seek medical attention immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe abdominal pain
- Swelling in the throat or neck
- High fever
- Dehydration
Conclusion
Strep throat infections can usually be managed with prompt medical attention, appropriately followed treatment, and adequate care. Potential complications stemming from the infection can be dangerous and even fatal in rare cases. While far less deadly than some other common illnesses, such as the flu, strep throat should still be taken seriously. Avoid contact with individuals that have the infection wash your hand frequently to control their spread. Seek timely medical attention and take appropriate care to ensure a full and fast recovery.
