edHelper.com Illnesses

Strep Throat

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Strep Throat
Reading Level

	edHelper's suggested reading level:	grades 4 to 6
	Flesch-Kincaid grade level:	5.21

Vocabulary

challenging words:

acidic, bloodstream, egg-shaped, infectious, lymph, nauseous, positively, rheumatic, viral, antibiotic, medication, commonly, arthritis, classic, therefore, negative

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Strep Throat By Jennifer Kenny

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¹     Have you ever had a sore throat? As a child, you most likely have. Do you remember if it was strep throat or a viral sore throat? Do you know the difference?
 
²     Strep throat is caused by tiny egg-shaped bacteria. These bacteria are a type called group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Therefore, strep throat has some longer medical names as well - acute streptococcal pharyngitis, acute streptococcal tonsillitis, or even septic sore throat. These particular bacteria cause around fifteen to twenty percent of all sore throats.
 
³     How do the bacteria spread? After all, it is important to know because strep throat is an infectious disease. Basically, moisture sprayed from the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing spread it from person-to-person. If the bacteria are spread to the hands, even shaking hands can spread it. It is very important to wash your hands! Strep throat especially spreads when school is in session. Think about it. Large groups of kids in a close space could certainly spread it! While anyone can get it, it is most common in children aged five to twelve.

Paragraphs 4 to 9:
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