Strep throat is typically not contagious after about 24 to 48 hours of starting antibiotic treatment. People who take antibiotics for strep throat usually stop being contagious within the first 24 to 48 hours of treatment. Without antibiotics, individuals can remain contagious for up to a few weeks. The infection is highly contagious during the initial days before treatment and while symptoms are present. After at least 12 to 24 hours on antibiotics, it is generally safe to return to normal activities without spreading the infection further. However, completing the full course of antibiotics is important to fully eradicate the bacteria and prevent complications.
Contagious Period Details:
- Before antibiotics: contagious from 2 to 5 days after exposure and while symptoms are present.
- After starting antibiotics: typically not contagious after 24 to 48 hours.
- Without antibiotics: can remain contagious for up to a month or more.
- People are most contagious when symptomatic and before antibiotic treatment starts.
Recommendations:
- Stay home from work, school, or daycare until at least 24 hours of antibiotics have been completed.
- Finish the entire prescribed antibiotic course even if feeling better.
- Practice good hygiene such as handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes to prevent spread.
This means strep throat is generally not contagious once a person has been on antibiotics for more than 24-48 hours and their fever is gone, but the full antibiotic treatment should be completed to fully clear the infection and prevent transmission.
