How do I manage my strep throat?

Most sore throats are not strep throat. Actually, they are usually caused by viruses, in which case time is the main factor that causes them to get better. If strep throat is the cause of your pain though, it is important to get antibiotic therapy. The doctor will be able to tell by taking a swab or culture from your throat and seeing if that swab tests positive for streptococcus bacteria.

Managing your strep throat starts with getting tested so you know if you have strep throat or simply a viral throat infection. Just because your throat feels like it is on fire and you can barely take a sip of water does not mean you have strep throat. This just means you should be checked for strep throat. 

Once you test positive for strep throat, you should take ALL of the antibiotic pills prescribed by your physician. If you do not take the antibiotics for yourself, take them for your children. If you inadequately treat your strep, you can pass it on to your children. They are more at risk than you for rheumatic heart disease as a complication. Until the antibiotics are finished, stay away from very hard, hot or extremely spicy foods as they may irritate your raw throat.

Your doctor may have prescribed an antibiotic for strep throat. Take all of the antibiotic exactly as prescribed. This will help prevent the infection from coming back and will prevent complications of infection that could occur if you do not take the medicine as prescribed.

There are many ways that you can make yourself feel better while you are waiting for the strep infection to go away.

• Drink plenty of fluids and increase humidity (moisture in the air) in your home to help keep your throat moist. Herbal teas formulated for colds may help relieve symptoms.
• Get plenty of rest. Stay home the first day of antibiotic treatment. You are still contagious and might pass the infection to others. Rest in bed if you feel very sick. Bed rest is not required if you feel fine.
• Take nonprescription medicines to relieve a painful sore throat and reduce fever.

For the first 24 hours after you start taking an antibiotic, you are still contagious. You can avoid passing the strep throat infection to others and reinfecting yourself by:

• Avoiding sneezing or coughing on others.
• Washing your hands often.
• Using tissues you can throw away, not handkerchiefs.
• Using a new toothbrush as soon as you feel sick. Replace it again when you are well. You can also clean your toothbrush well before using it again. Bacteria can collect on the bristles and reinfect you.