Rheumatic Fever is not contagious. It is a complication that can occur after a strep throat infection. It is caused by an abnormal immune response to the strep bacteria, rather than being spread from person to person. However, the initial strep throat infection that can lead to rheumatic fever is contagious and can be spread through respiratory droplets. It is important to treat strep throat promptly with antibiotics to prevent the development of rheumatic fever.
Rheumatic Fever:
Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of untreated streptococcal throat infection, commonly known as strep throat. It primarily affects children between the ages of 5 and 15, but can also occur in adults.
Contagious or Not:
Rheumatic fever itself is not contagious. It does not spread from person to person like a common cold or flu. However, the initial streptococcal throat infection that can lead to rheumatic fever is indeed contagious. The bacteria responsible for strep throat can be transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Prevention:
Preventing rheumatic fever involves treating strep throat promptly with antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare professional to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, can help reduce the risk of contracting strep throat.
Complications:
If left untreated, strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever, which can cause severe damage to the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention if symptoms of strep throat, such as sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, persist or worsen.