4. Strep throat
Strep throat, also called streptococcal pharyngitis refers to a common bacterial infection that causes a sore or scratchy throat. The infection is caused by the streptococcus pyogenes bacteria and is quite contagious, spreading through airborne droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. People may also be infected when they touch surfaces that had previously been contaminated by an infected person like doorknobs, bathroom floor, toilet seats, and utensils among others.
Other symptoms of strep throat include painful throat, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, red spots appearing on the roof of the mouth, fever, swollen lymph nodes, coughing, and frequent sneezing. The infection is self-limited, meaning its symptoms can fade away after a few days, normally 3-7 days. Nonetheless, it is important to seek medical help when the condition persists to prevent developing other serious complications like rheumatic fever. Over-the-counter medications like aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help relieve the symptoms of strep throat.