Over 50? Keeping Up With Your Healthcare Needs

Over 50? Keeping Up With Your Healthcare Needs

Signs of Strep Throat and How to Prevent Spreading It to Others

Nellie Ryan

Strep throat can be a very painful disorder in which the tonsils swell and white patches made up of bacteria form on the tonsils. Swallowing can be difficult and painful, and you may experience other symptoms as well, including coughing, diarrhea, or nausea. Strep throat is contagious, as it is a bacterial infection and can easily be spread to others around you. If you think you may have strep throat, you should get to your family doctor for a proper diagnosis and to get on an antibiotic to help heal from this disorder. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can also help treat this condition. Read on for more information about strep throat and tips on how to prevent it's spread to others, as well as what you may be able to do to prevent getting it again.

Strep Throat Signs

The most common sign of strep throat is the white patches on the back of the throat or on the tonsils. You may also experience a difficult time eating or drinking anything, as anything going down your throat may feel like it's scraping your throat. You may have a fever, even a mild one, and experience fatigue. Strep throat is caused by the streptococcal bacteria, which can be found on any hard surface, as with most germs and bacteria, and is typically spread through saliva.

Preventing the Spread of Strep Throat

To prevent spreading strep throat throughout your family and to keep everyone around you from also getting sick, you should remain in bed and at home from school and work for a few days until your antibiotic begins to work, or you begin to feel better. If you can, wear a mask around others to help prevent spreading your germs to others, as your saliva will contain the bacteria that can spread. Do not share your food or your drinks with others, and try to avoid kissing to prevent spreading it as well. Wipe down all hard surfaces in your home with a strong cleaner, such as bleach wipes, and wash your hands thoroughly to wash germs from your hands. Encourage others in your home to do the same.

Prevent Getting Strep Throat

To help you prevent getting strep throat again, or worsening your condition further, you need to be sure you stay at rest until you are better. Over-doing it too quickly can worsen your condition, and you could spread it to others. You can prevent strep throat in the first place by staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water, keeping your distance from others that are ill, washing your hands often, and keeping your hands off of your face and out of your mouth (this can be difficult for small children).

If you think you have strep throat, you should see a family practice physician for a proper diagnosis and for treatment of this condition right away so you can get back to feeling better.


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About Me
Over 50? Keeping Up With Your Healthcare Needs

As an adult in my 50s, I find that my body isn't as strong as it used to be. But I don't let that stop me from enjoying life! In fact, I make every effort to get the treatments I need from my doctor to improve my health. I know that I'm not a senior yet, but I do all I can to prevent the health problems that affect that age group. Because of this, I put together a health blog for people over age 50. My blog isn't a review of what you can easily find on the Internet. It's a plethora of unique information designed to help you find the services you need fast. What my blog doesn't do is tell you what to do for your health. Instead, it offers guidance and options. Please, enjoy the blog and happy reading.

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