Florida Hospital Centra Care doctors are seeing an increase in strep throat cases, specifically in Hillsborough County.
Cases are up 400 percent in Temple Terrace and 100 percent in Brandon, according to a release from Florida Hospital.
Florida Hospital Centra Care locations will have rapid strep tests available in their offices.
Symptoms of strep throat include:
• Sore throat
• Sudden fever
• Red throat with white patches
• Headache
• General discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Tender lymph nodes in neck
• Difficulty swallowing
• Stomach ache
• Nausea
• Chills
Strep throat is spread through person-to-person contact. Like a virus, bacteria that causes strep throat can survive on surfaces. It makes it contagious, especially for children ages 5-15.
It can take up to five days for symptoms to appear. The best prevention is to avoid touching your nose and mouth. Doctors also recommend washing your hands often.
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