Is strep throat contagious, and how long are you infectious in Europe?

Strep throat explained: Group A Streptococcus transmission, incubation period, contagious timeline, and treatment criteria.

In this episode, we clarify how strep throat spreads, how long someone remains contagious, and when medical treatment is required under EU clinical guidance.

You’ll learn:

• How Group A Streptococcus is transmitted (respiratory droplets, close contact)

• The typical incubation period (2–5 days)

• How long someone is contagious without antibiotics

• When infectiousness reduces after starting antibiotic treatment

• Symptoms that suggest bacterial rather than viral sore throat

• When throat swab testing is recommended

• Situations where an antibiotic request may be declin ...