How to stop strep before it starts

One of the nastier illnesses common this time of year is strep throat. Although it can strike at any time of the year, it tends to be most prevalent in late fall and early spring.

Strep throat is caused by the streptococcal bacteria. This bacterial infection in the throat and on the tonsils causes irritation, inflammation and a sudden, severe sore throat. Strep throat may be confused with the common cold, which exhibits similar symptoms. However, the common cold is caused by a virus while strep throat is caused by bacteria.

Some of the most common symptoms of strep throat are:

• A sudden, severe sore throat.
• Pain when you swallow.
• Fever over 101°F. 
• Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes.
• White or yellow spots on the back of a bright red throat.
• A headache or stomach pain.
• A red skin rash.
• Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Feeling achy. 

Strep bacteria are at their strongest where people are in close contact. This is the reason why the infection spreads easily in schools, child care facilities and among family members.

Strep throat is passed from person to person through breathing, coughing or sneezing.  An infected person will discharge tiny droplets containing the strep bacteria into the air which are then breathed in by others, increasing their risk of infection.

One may also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to the nose, mouth or eyes. A person who is exposed to the strep bacteria will take anywhere from two to five days to show symptoms of strep throat.

Doctors typically treat strep throat with antibiotics, which shorten the time one is contagious and ease the symptoms of strep. Most people stop being contagious 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

However, anyone may be contagious while still exhibiting symptoms. Without antibiotics, the contagious period could last up to 3 weeks. A doctor may also advise their patient to take an over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophin or ibuprofen to help with pain and lower fever.

How do I avoid getting strep throat?

It is wise to avoid contact with anyone who has strep throat. If you find you are in contact with someone who has strep throat:

1. Wash hands often.
2. Don't drink or eat after the infected individual.
3. Don't share toothbrushes. 
4. Keep your hands away from mouth, nose and eyes.  

How do I avoid passing strep throat to others?

If you have been diagnosed with strep throat, there are steps you can take to avoid spreading the germs:

Strep throat has uncomfortable symptoms such as sore throat, fever and problems breathing or swallowing. The contagious bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat when it spreads to a person without the disease. You can reduce your chance of getting or spreading strep throat by following certain precautions. This guide will teach you how to prevent strep throat and what to do if you have it.

How to Prevent Strep Throat Naturally

Try the following strategies to reduce your family’s risk of getting strep throat:

• Wash your hands: Hand washing serves as one the best ways to prevent infections like strep throat. Remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and scrub every part of the hand.
• Use hand sanitizer: When you don’t have access to soap and water, hand sanitizer can also help you keep germs away. Hand sanitizer often comes in travel-sized bottles that you can take anywhere.
• Avoid sharing personal items: Sharing food, drinks or eating utensils can spread strep throat bacteria even when neither person thinks they have it. Other items that go in the mouth like toothbrushes and pacifiers can also spread germs.

You can lower you or your child’s chance of getting strep throat by limiting your exposure to the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Following these tips can help you avoid spreading strep throat and other infections at any time of the year.

Preventing the Spread of Strep Throat

If you or someone you love already has strep throat, you can take steps to avoid spreading it. You can protect others by:

• Taking antibiotics: If you get a strep throat diagnosis, your doctor will likely give you antibiotics to fight the infection. Remember that strep throat’s contagious period lasts for at least 24 hours after you start taking antibiotics.
• Keeping your environment clean: Surfaces like tabletops and doorknobs can host strep throat bacteria. Regularly wipe down these areas to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Staying home from work or school: A person with strep throat stays contagious as long as they have symptoms. If you can, call in sick from work or school until you’ve taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
• Washing your hands frequently: Keeping your hands clean will reduce the spread of the strep throat bacteria. Follow the same directions as mentioned above for the best results.

Everyone has a part to play in reducing strep throat’s spread, including people who already have it.

How to Prevent Strep Throat When You Feel It Coming

Symptoms like a sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours and small spots inside your mouth can both indicate strep throat. If these symptoms show up, you may already have the infection. Visit a doctor to get a rapid strep test and throat culture that can tell you if you have strep throat. The professionals at Hamilton Health can test you for strep throat and provide the right treatment.

How do you prevent strep throat in early stages?

What kills Streptococcus naturally?

How do you get rid of strep right when you feel it?

Can you prevent strep after exposure?