How Can You Prevent Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection that may lead to serious health complications. This illness is most common in the fall, but it can occur at any time of the year.

Individuals with this condition experience inflammation, irritation, and a sore throat.

 

Strep throat is usually mistaken for a common cold as they both have similar symptoms. The only difference is that the common cold is a viral infection, whereas strep throat is a bacterial infection. This guide will discuss how you can prevent strep throat from spreading to others.

 

Wash Hands Regularly

Hand-washing is the most effective way to prevent strep throat and other common infections. It's more helpful for people who spend hours in places such as childcare centers, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals where germs are more common.

Wash your hands, especially before touching your eyes, after changing a diaper or using the bathroom, before preparing food, after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing, and before and after visiting someone who is sick.

 

The Right Way to Wash Your Hands

Just rinsing your hands in water for a few seconds won't kill the germs, so make sure to lather up your hands with soap and scrub them from the front and back, under the fingernails, and between the fingers for at least 15 seconds. Wash off the soap well and then use a hand dryer or clean towel to dry them.

 

Always Keep a Hand Sanitizer

The best way to keep your hands clean is by washing them with soap and water. However, if you don't have access to washing, use a hand sanitizer. Though it's not as effective, it can kill many germs if it contains at least 60% alcohol.

Always carry a hand sanitizer, especially when traveling to places without washrooms, clean water, or sinks.  

 

Protecting Others In The Home

You can implement simple steps to prevent strep throat from spreading at home. If someone at home has strep throat, avoid sharing eating utensils, food, and drinks.

Moreover, keep your towels, pillowcases, and clothes separate, and wash all laundry and kitchen utensils using hot soapy water. Always cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing with the crook of your elbow or tissue (that you should dispose of after use).

 

Online Doctor for Strep Throat

Dr. John Ibrahim is a telemedicine doctor at At TelMDCare who gives patients an accurate online diagnosis and prescribes the right treatment plan for them. If you have strep throat, you can get treatment from the comfort of your home. We also offer treatment for conditions such as UTI, pink eye, COVID, ear infections, and more. Find out what we treat on our website and schedule an appointment with our virtual doctor online.