As a medical professional, I can provide you with an in-depth understanding of strep throat and its transmission.
Strep throat is an infection caused by the bacterium known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS). It is highly contagious and can be transmitted through various means, including close personal contact.

Firstly, it's important to understand the symptoms of strep throat, which typically include a severe sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils. The infection can spread through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This is why it's often advised to maintain a safe distance from someone who is sick to prevent the spread of such infections.

When it comes to the question of whether you can pass strep throat to someone else by kissing them, the answer is yes.
Kissing is a form of close personal contact that can facilitate the transmission of the bacteria from an infected person to a healthy one. The bacteria can be present in the saliva of an infected individual, and direct contact through kissing can lead to the spread of the infection.

The reference you provided states that strep throat can be passed through hand-to-hand contact, which is also true. If an infected person touches their mouth or nose and then shakes hands with someone else, the bacteria can be transferred. The recipient can then unknowingly touch their own mouth or nose, leading to infection.

Given the contagious nature of strep throat, it is strongly recommended to avoid close contact, including kissing, with anyone who has been diagnosed with the condition. It's also crucial to practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, to minimize the risk of transmission.

In addition to hand hygiene, other preventive measures include:

1. Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of the tissue properly afterward.
2. Avoiding sharing personal items like utensils, glasses, or towels with others.
3. Staying home when you are sick to prevent spreading the infection to others.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has strep throat, it's important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a throat swab to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate antibiotics to treat the infection.

In summary, strep throat is a highly contagious infection that can be transmitted through close personal contact, including kissing. It is characterized by symptoms such as a severe sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils. To prevent the spread of the infection, it's essential to avoid close contact with infected individuals, practice good hygiene, and seek medical care if you suspect an infection.

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Question: How contagious is strep throat, and can I pass it to someone else by kissing them? You can pass strep throat by coughing, sneezing. And the most likely cause of passing strep throat, or any infection, is hand-to-hand. ... So it's not just mono that's a kissing disease, strep, too, can be a kissing disease.Dec 17, 2008read more >>