Mar 9, 2016 3 min read

Q.My brother has strep throat. So does my sister and my dad. My mom is taking me for a culture. What is that? What will they do? Do you get strep throat from kissing? My brother says that’s how you get it. I’ve never kissed anyone, so I don’t think I could have it. So why do I need this culture thing? My sister and my dad are really sick, but my brother isn’t all that. Maybe he really doesn’t have it.

12-year-old

Mary Jo’s response: Great questions! Thanks for asking.

Strep throat isn’t a “kissing” disease, but it is very contagious, which means it is easily spread. Strep throat is an infection caused by the streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. The bacteria affect the back of the throat. Sore throats can be caused by viruses; if the cause is strep, it is important to treat it to avoid other health problems.

Strep throat can be spread from one person to another, mostly by contact with the mucus coming from an infected person’s nose or throat. When an infected person coughs, blows his nose or sneezes, the droplets of infected mucus are sprayed into the air. If another person breathes in the infected air, the bacteria spreads.

Your mom is right to take you to a health-care provider for a checkup. Strep throat often spreads in families. Don’t share personal items, food or drinks. Wash your hands often.

A throat culture isn’t painful, just weird. It may be a little uncomfortable. The nurse or doctor will rub a cotton swab over the back of your throat. A rapid strep test can tell if you are infected in a few minutes. The doctor may also do a throat culture. The sample taken with the cotton swab is put on a special plate, called a culture. Bacteria will grow on the culture in the lab. Both tests will feel the same to you.

A short video at http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/strep-throat.html?ref=search# shows a young person getting a strep test. The test is easy. Please tell your mom if you’re worried about it.

Symptoms of strep throat are different for every infected person. Some people, like your sister and your dad, are very sick. Others, like your brother, may have few symptoms.

Here are some common strep throat symptoms:

• Severe sore throat

• White patches on the tonsils (in the back of your throat)

• Fever

• Headache

• Trouble swallowing

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Nausea, throwing up, or abdominal (belly) pain

A person with strep throat needs to take all the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor. Most feel better after about four days of treatment, but it is important to take all 10 days of medicine.

Your infected family members should try to avoid spreading the bacteria They can try using a humidifier to feel more comfortable, take over-the-counter pain relief medications, get lots of rest and drink fluids. Eating soft foods can ease the pain of swallowing.

I hope your strep test is negative and you remain healthy. If infected, I hope you feel better soon.