Human Resources

Human Resources

Strep throat

Streptococcal throat (strep throat) infections are transmitted by large respiratory droplets or by direct contact with patients or carriers. It may also be transmitted after eating or drinking contaminated food, milk, or milk products. It is rarely transmitted by indirect contact through objects.

Symptoms

There is typically a sudden onset of fever and sore throat. Household members may have strep throat. There is no cough. Symptoms may be minimal or absent.

Plan

Strep throat is rarely occupational; thus the employee needs to be treated by his/her personal physician. The employee should no longer be contagious once he/she has been on the appropriate antibiotic for at least 24 hours. If untreated, the person may be contagious for 10-21 days, or up to months.

Work status

The employee may work once he/she has been on the appropriate antibiotic for at least 24 hours. It is not necessary to be cleared to work by Employee Health Services. If the employee reports symptoms of a fever and sore throat, he/she may have a viral or bacterial pharyngitis (sore throat). He/she should be sent home, and may follow up with his/her personal physician if indicated.

Developed by Employee Health Services