To Your Health: Strep Throat

17 Jul To Your Health: Strep Throat

[click “Play” to listen to Sasha Cucciniello’s interview with Dr. Kent Gaylord]

by Dr. Kent Gaylord

Sore throats are one of the most common reasons for coming to the doctor.  Sore throats are most commonly caused by a virus, but in children up to a third of sore throats are caused by a bacteria  (strep throat).  Strep throat usually has a very abrupt onset, and may be associated with fever, headaches, abdominal pain and a sore throat.  A viral etiology may have a slower onset, and may be associated with symptoms of cough, congestion, runny nose or sneezing.  Antibiotics do treat strep throat, but are not indiciated and will not help a viral infection. 

Dr. Kent Gaylord is Board Certified in Family Medicine and has been at the Telluride Medical Center since 1996. He has a special interest in pediatrics and has sought extra training to better serve Telluride’s children. He also specializes in men’s and women’s health care, preventative medicine and is one of the regions only FAA certified Aviation Medical Examiners.