Understanding a Positive Strep Throat Test and Getting a Doctor's Note

Understanding a Positive Strep Test and Getting a Doctor's Note

A positive strep test indicates that a person has a streptococcal bacterial infection, commonly known as strep throat. Strep throat is highly contagious and requires medical treatment with antibiotics. Many people need to take time off work or school when suffering from strep throat. In these cases, providing employers or schools with a doctor's note can help excuse absences and ensure proper recovery time.

Symptoms of Strep Throat

Strep throat symptoms may overlap with those caused by a viral infection. Common symptoms of strep throat include:

• Sore, scratchy throat
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck

Some additional symptoms more unique to strep throat include:

• White patches or spots on the back of the throat
• Red, swollen tonsils
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Skin rash

The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may experience only a mild sore throat, while others have severe throat pain along with a high fever, body aches, and difficulty swallowing.

Getting Tested for Strep Throat

Because strep throat symptoms often mimic viral illnesses, the only way to confirm a strep infection is through a lab test. There are two main types of strep tests:

• Rapid antigen detection test - Uses a throat swab to detect streptococcal antigens. Results are available within minutes.
• Throat culture - A throat swab is incubated for 1-2 days to allow any streptococcal bacteria present to multiply. More accurate than a rapid test.

A doctor will swab the patient's throat and back of the mouth, then send the swab for analysis. If the rapid test is negative but symptoms suggest strep, a throat culture may be done as follow up. It's important to get tested for strep throat so proper antibiotics can be prescribed if the infection is confirmed.

Treating Strep Throat

Strep throat will not improve without antibiotic treatment. The most common medications prescribed include:

• Penicillin or amoxicillin - Taken orally for 10 days
• Azithromycin or clarithromycin - Taken orally for 5 days

It's important to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve sooner, to fully eradicate the strep bacteria. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage throat discomfort and fever.

In addition to medication, other strep throat treatment measures include:

• Getting extra rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Gargling with warm salt water
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Avoiding irritants like tobacco smoke

People with strep throat should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they have had 24 hours of antibiotic treatment to reduce transmission risk.

Complications of Strep Throat

While strep throat generally resolves with proper treatment, some potential complications to be aware of include:

• Scarlet fever - A red, bumpy rash spreading across the body. Requires antibiotics.
• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis - Kidney inflammation that can occur after strep infection.
• Rheumatic fever - Rare inflammatory condition causing fever, joint pain and potential heart valve damage.
• Peritonsillar abscess - Pocket of pus behind the tonsils requiring drainage.
• Strep skin infections - Impetigo (blistering rash) or cellulitis (swollen, red skin).

Seeking prompt medical treatment if strep throat is suspected reduces the likelihood of complications. A doctor should be consulted immediately if rash, high fever, severe pain, dehydration or difficulty breathing occur.

Getting a Doctor's Note for Strep Throat

Missing school or work due to illness can potentially have negative repercussions on grades, employment status or income. Providing a doctor's note helps verify the medical reason for absence and prevents punitive measures.

A doctor's note should include the following elements:

• Date note was written
• Patient's full name
• Date(s) patient needs to be excused from school/work
• Doctor's name, medical license, signature & contact info
• Brief description of patient's diagnosis/symptoms
• Stamp or letterhead from doctor's office

Sample text for a strep throat doctor's note may state:

[Patient Name] was seen in my office on [Date] and diagnosed with a positive strep throat infection based on a positive rapid strep test. Due to their illness, I recommend they be excused from work/school for the dates of [XX/XX/XXXX] through [XX/XX/XXXX]. The patient should rest at home during this time to recover and avoid spreading the contagious infection. Please contact my office with any questions.

Most doctors will provide a formal note without issue explaining the need for absence due to illness. If the doctor does not offer a note unprompted, simply request one before leaving the appointment.

Preventing the Spread of Strep Throat

Strep throat is very contagious through respiratory droplets. Good hygiene practices can help prevent transmission:

• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Wash hands frequently
• Avoid sharing food, drinks or personal items
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces
• Launder bedding, linens and clothes regularly

Children should be kept home from school and adults home from work until completing a full 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. Be vigilant for any signs of new infection in family members or close contacts.

Some ways to help avoid contracting strep throat in the first place include getting adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet, and reducing exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke. Staying up-to-date on immunizations, like the flu shot, can help prevent vulnerability to secondary infections.

The Takeaway

A positive strep test means antibiotic treatment is needed. Resting at home and providing a doctor's note to employers and schools can help facilitate recovery. With proper care and precautions, strep throat usually resolves without complication. Seeking medical care at the first signs of illness reduces transmission risk and potential health impacts of the infection.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.