Causes

Strep throat spreads in saliva or other body fluids that have group A Streptococcus bacteria in them. If someone who has strep throat coughs or sneezes around you, it can expose you to the bacteria as it spreads through the air. You can also pick it up if you touch people or objects with bacteria on them.

Strep throat is very contagious. It’s easily spread from one person to another. Some people are more likely to catch strep throat than other people, including people with weak immune systems, people having chemotherapy, babies, and people who are pregnant.²

If someone in your home catches strep throat, there are steps you can take to lower your chances of catching it:

• Do not share personal items, like towels, drinking cups, and eating utensils, with the person who is sick.
• Wash clothes and bedding in hot water.
• Keep your hands clean (that means washing your hands correctly and often).

Can You Be Around Someone With Strep Throat?

Someone with strep throat has the bacteria in their saliva and other body fluids. If they cough or sneeze, they can easily spread it to people. Sharing drinks or touching objects they’ve used also spreads infection. Avoid catching it from someone in your home by not using the same personal items, washing clothes and bedding in hot water, and washing your hands often.