Ali je angina nalezljiva?

Customer question:

Is angina contagious? Anonymous customer's question

Pharmacist's answer:

Angina, often called tonsillitis, is inflammation of the throat that is most often the result of a viral or bacterial infection. Since some forms of angina are contagious, it is essential to understand how they are transmitted and what measures should be taken to prevent the spread of the infection.

Viral angina is usually caused by viruses such as adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, influenza viruses, or the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis. These types of sore throat are contagious and are usually spread by droplets--that is, by droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by contact with contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, or toys. The infection can also be spread by sharing food, drink, or personal items such as towels or toothbrushes. Viral angina is often most contagious in the first few days after the onset of symptoms, but the virus can also be shed several days before symptoms appear.

Bacterial angina is often caused by an infection with Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacterium that causes strep throat. This type of angina is also contagious and is usually transmitted by droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Streptococcal angina is particularly contagious in the first few days after the onset of symptoms. It can also be transmitted by people who are carriers of the bacteria but do not have symptoms.

To prevent the spread of contagious angina, it is essential to observe appropriate hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with sick people. It is also essential to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects often touched, such as doorknobs, switches, telephones, and computer keyboards.

How long is angina contagious?

Viral angina is usually contagious a few days before the onset of symptoms and remains contagious for the first few days after the illness. With bacterial angina, it is most contagious in the first few days after symptoms start. Still, it can continue to be contagious until the person starts taking antibiotics and the symptoms improve.

The contagiousness of angina can also vary depending on the individual and their ability to transmit the infection to others. Nevertheless, it is recommended that a patient with angina avoids close contact with others until the symptoms improve and there is no more chance of transmission of the infection.

To reduce the risk of spreading contagious angina, proper hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with other people, especially in the first days of the illness, are important. It is also important to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are often touched to prevent the transmission of infection.

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