Why Strep Spreads So Easily Among Children — and How to Help Stop It

Children learn, play, eat and spend hours together every day. They share classrooms, toys, sports equipment, meals — and sometimes a lot more than we wish they would.

All that close contact also creates opportunities for infections to spread.

Strep throat is caused by a contagious bacteria, commonly called group A strep. While anyone can get strep throat, it is most common among children ages 5 to 15.

Understanding how group A strep spreads can help families, schools and communities take simple steps to reduce transmission — and recognize when it's time to seek care.

Why Does Strep Spread So Easily?

Group A strep bacteria generally spread from person to person through tiny droplets in our breath or direct contact.

When someone infected with group A strep talks, coughs or sneezes, they can release these tiny droplets that contain the bacteria. If you breathe in those tiny droplets or touch your mouth or nose after coming into contact with the droplets, you might get infected too.

The bacteria can also spread through contact with saliva or nasal secretions, even by sharing cups or utensils with someone who is infected.

That makes environments where children spend a lot of time together — including schools, childcare centers, households and group activities — well suited for transmission.

Close Contact Makes a Difference

Think about a typical child's day: sitting beside classmates, playing together at recess, sharing spaces at lunch, participating in sports or activities and then going home to family members.

There are plenty of opportunities for close contact.

And exposure isn't always obvious. Some people infected with group A strep bacteria may have no symptoms or may not appear sick, yet they can still carry and spread the bacteria.

That's one reason preventing every exposure isn't realistic. But reducing opportunities for transmission is.

Simple Habits Can Help Reduce the Spread

Some of the most effective prevention measures are also some of the simplest.

Wash Hands Often

Encourage children to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating and after coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose.

If soap and water aren't available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be an alternative.

Cover Coughs and Sneezes

Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow rather than their hands — and to wash their hands afterward when needed.

This helps reduce the spread of respiratory droplets that can carry group A strep and other germs.

Don't Share Food, Cups or Utensils When Sick

Children should avoid sharing cups, eating utensils and bites of food with someone who is sick. Cups, plates and utensils used by someone who is ill should be washed before someone else uses them.

Pay Attention to Symptoms

A sudden sore throat, fever, pain when swallowing, red or swollen tonsils and swollen areas in the front of the neck are common symptoms of strep throat.

If you suspect your child may have strep, contact a qualified healthcare provider right away. The sooner you know for sure, the better.

If It's Strep, Treatment Helps Protect Others Too

Treating a confirmed strep infection helps the person who is sick and the people around them.

Appropriate antibiotic treatment reduces the ability of someone with strep throat to transmit the bacteria to others.

And when antibiotics are prescribed, they should be taken exactly as directed.

Children diagnosed with strep throat should follow the advice of their healthcare provider and local school or public health authorities about when it is appropriate to return to school or childcare – usually just 1-2 days.

Prevention Is About More Than One Child

Stopping the spread of strep isn't something one parent, teacher or child can do alone.

It takes all of us. Families who recognize symptoms. Children with good hygiene habits. Schools that support those good habits. And communities that have access to appropriate healthcare, diagnosis and treatment.

These actions become especially important in communities where group A strep infections can carry a greater risk of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

The World Health Organization identifies the recognition and appropriate treatment of group A strep infections as an important part of preventing rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

We may not be able to prevent every strep infection. But we can all help reduce its spread — and make sure an infection isn't ignored when it happens.

Recognize Strep. Treat Strep. Complete Treatment.

Together, we can help Stop The Strep.