How to Prevent Strep Throat

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Streptococcal bacteria are highly contagious bugs that cause a severe sore throat combined with fever, fatigue and red tonsils that can have white or dark red patches. Strep throat can be spread through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The bacteria can also be deposited onto hard surfaces and picked up by others who touch the surface before touching their own mouths or noses. Good hygiene is the best way to prevent strep throat, although sometimes it is still spread despite thorough precautions, since it is so contagious.

Steps

1. Wash your hands regularly, and encourage children and other family members to keep their hands clean.
   • Keep hand sanitizer in your purse, car, home and work desk for use when soap and water are not available.
   • Wash or sanitize hands after shaking hands with another person, or touching public surfaces like door and shopping cart handles. Wash or sanitize hands frequently at home when a family member has strep throat.
   • Always wash hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water before preparing food or eating.
2. Instruct children and other family members who have already caught strep throat to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. This keeps the streptococcal bacteria from spreading through the air and infecting you or other family members.
3. Avoid touching tissues and dirty clothing that has been used by family members who have been infected with strep throat.
4. Wash dishes in hot, soapy water after one use. Do not share dishes, food, straws, makeup or personal items with others, and encourage children to observe the same precautions.
5. Allow employees or students to stay home without reprimand when they have strep throat, if you work in a supervisory, teaching or school administration position.
   • Parents should encourage school officials to educate other parents on the dangers of strep throat, and to encourage them to keep students home when they are diagnosed with it.
6. Sleep at least 8 hours per night and eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits.
7. Dispose of your toothbrush 2 full days after you have started antibiotics to avoid re-infection. Sanitize anything else that has contacted your mouth including dishes, your pillow case and cosmetic lip products.

Tips

• Strep throat is usually no longer contagious once a patient has been on antibiotics for 24 hours.
• Exposure to cigarette smoke can increase the likelihood of catching strep throat. It can also prolong the course of the infection.
• Strep throat most commonly occurs in late fall and early spring.

Warnings

• Streptococcal bacteria can also infect the skin. It is important to keep cuts and scratches clean and bandaged, especially when you are around family, coworkers, students or classmates that are sick with strep throat.