Care instructions for strep throat

Strep throat is a common bacterial infection of the throat. It can spread from one person to another person if due care is not taken to prevent this spreading. It is usually treated with the help of antibiotics which finish off the infection-causing bacteria. Penicillin and amoxicillin are antibiotics commonly prescribed to remedy strep throat. Other antibiotics may be recommended for patients who are allergic to penicillin.

If you've been prescribed to follow a medicinal course by your doctor, abide by this. Don't stop taking your antibiotics the moment you feel better. You can expect to feel better in a couple of days. Ideally, a person with strep-throat should not venture out of their house at least for 24 hours after they've taken their antibiotic.

Techniques you can adapt to manage your symptoms

You can try the following out to help with the symptoms you experience as part of a strep throat –

• Salt Water Gargles – Mix a little salt into a glassful of water and gargle with it. It will work to reduce any swelling in your throat.
• Make use of ice, soft foods, lozenges and popsicles to soothe your throat.
• Refrain from smoking – Cigarettes contain nicotine and other chemicals that cause lung damage and can worsen your symptoms. E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco also tend to contain nicotine and are therefore of not much help as alternatives to traditional cigarette/cigar smoking.
• Get adequate sleep – Sleep is our body’s way to combat illnesses. Our body needs daily rest and rejuvenation and this need becomes more dominant when we’re down with a sickness.
• Keep yourself rehydrated – Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your throat lubricated so you don’t experience itchiness or have trouble swallowing.
• Eat soothing food – Opt for broths, soups, mashed vegetables, purees, yogurt and soft-cooked eggs instead of food that is harder to swallow. Your throat could do with as little irritation as possible during this time.

Stop your strep throat from spreading

Follow the instructions given below to prevent your strep throat from spreading –

• Do not share food or drinks
• Replace your toothbrush after you’ve taken any antibiotic for 24 hours
• Always remember to wash your hands. Do this frequently. Head for the sink every time you’ve sneezed/used the bathroom/generally thought to have come in contact with germs. Use soap and water. Most definitely wash your hand before you eat anything.

Conclusion

A strep throat in itself is not something to worry about. Proper treatment will cure it in a day or two. However, don’t hesitate to call a healthcare professional if your strep throat is accompanied by fever, rash, extreme difficulty in swallowing food, ear pain and mucus i.e. green, yellow-brown and bloody ejected out while coughing or blowing your nose. It could be something serious and is best informed to the doctor who will then direct you on how to proceed from there. Drink water, get plenty of rest and take your antibiotics as prescribed – your strep throat will have gone in no time.

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