How Do I Treat And Prevent Recurrent Strep Throat
As noted above, strep throat is a bacterial infection that is treated in the same way as most other bacterial infections: with antibiotics. Since only a doctor can prescribe antibiotics , this means youll need to see a doctor if you think you might have strep. And even though the symptoms might be clear and there is clear evidence of inflammation in the back of your throat, strep cant be diagnosed without a throat swab and subsequent lab work. Once diagnosed by the doctor, prescribed antibiotics can work remarkably fast. Indeed, a lot of people start to feel noticeably better within 24 hours even if you feel better quickly, though, it is imperative to complete the entire course of antibiotics.
The good news is that the tests for strep throat have improved significantly, and now doctors like those at TrustCare can give you a rapid strep test and throat culture that can actually produce test results within a few minutes. Practically speaking, this means that the severe throat pain that you go to the doctor with can be diagnosed quickly, and you can usually get your prescription shortly afterwards.
Most Infections Respond Quickly To Antibiotics
The symptoms of strep throat include a severe sore throat, especially when swallowing, along with a fever, swollen glands in the neck, headache, and nausea. Sore throats accompanied by cold or flu-like symptoms, such as nasal congestion and cough, are typically caused by a virus, and antibiotics are not effective to kill viruses. To avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotics and development of resistance to antibiotics, the diagnosis of a bacterial infection should be made before antibiotics are prescribed. This diagnosis is based on a history of symptoms, a physical examination, and a positive laboratory test or culture for Streptococcus bacteria.
Should I Go To Urgent Care For Strep Throat
You must go to your primary care doctor or an urgent care near you in order to receive an antibiotic. Why wait to make an appointment with your primary care doctor? At the first sign of strep throat, visit your local Urgent Medical Center. The sooner you start taking an antibiotic the better off youll be in terms of how quickly you bounce back. If you ignore your sore throat you risk getting very sick, in which case it could take longer for the antibiotic to make you feel better. No matter what stage of strep throat you start taking an antibiotic, you should no longer be contagious after 24-hours.
Don’t Miss: Took Antibiotics For Uti And Still Have Symptoms
Other Types Of Strep Infections
GAS can also cause an infection called scarlet fever. The infection is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15 and generally begins with a fever and sore throat, according to the CDC. Scarlet fever is typically a mild illness that may resolve on its own but treatment with antibiotics can help symptoms disappear sooner.
Group B Streptococcus is another type of strep bacteria which can cause blood infections, pneumonia and meningitis in newborns, according to the NIH. Some women carry this type of bacteria in their intestines and vagina, but it is not passed through sexual contact. However, mothers can pass the bacteria to a newborn during birth, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Most babies who come in contact will not become sick, but the few babies who do become sick can have severe problems, including infections in the blood , the lungs or the brain . As such, doctors screen all expecting mothers for the bacteria those who test positive for the bacteria should receive antibiotics during labor.
According to the CDC, a pregnant woman who tests positive for GBS bacteria and received antibiotics during pregnancy has a 1 in 4,000 change that her baby will develop GBS disease, versus a 1 in 200 chance if she didn’t receive antibiotics.
In adults, Group B strep can cause urinary tract infections, blood infections, skin infections, pneumonia and, rarely, meningitis, according to the CDC.
Additional resources:
When Can I Send My Kid Back To School After Strep Throat
Sending your kid to school with strep throat could easily end up infecting half the kids in class. Its important to wait until the appropriate time to send your child back to school. Some kids are ready to return to school just one day after taking amoxicillin, but it really boils down to how your child feels.
According to national and state public health recommendations, you should wait at least a full 24 hours after your child takes their first dose of antibiotic. So if your child takes an antibiotic at 2 pm on Tuesday they shouldnt return to school until 2 pm on Wednesday. Even if its been a full 24-hours, if your child still appears sick they could be sent home by school staff or teachers.
One study in particular involved 111 children diagnosed with group A strep, confirmed by 2 medical tests. The children in the study all visited a pediatric practice in Vienna, VA, between August of 2013 and March of 2015. After giving the children amoxicillin, researchers asked them to return between 12 and 13 hours later. Only 9% of children still tested positive for strep throat when their throat was swabbed 12-13 hours later. This means its easy to assume by waiting 24-hours, the majority of children would no longer be contagious.
Also Check: Best Antibiotic For Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Pregnancy : : 6 Weeks
I’m 6 weeks pregnant. At 4 weeks I got strep and had to be on amoxicillin and tylenol. My sore throat got a little better but has came back with a vengeance. I really don’t want to go to the doc and be put on more antibiotics since I’m still in the 1st trimester. Any safe home remedies to cure a sore throat?
How Long Is Strep Throat Contagious After Taking Antibiotics
The obvious strep throat treatment is administration of antibiotics. However, this bacterial infection remains contagious even after resorting to antibacterial therapy. Here is some info on the duration for which strep throat remains contagious even after taking antibiotics.
The obvious strep throat treatment is administration of antibiotics. However, this bacterial infection remains contagious even after resorting to antibacterial therapy. Here is some info on the duration for which strep throat remains contagious even after taking antibiotics.
Strep throat is an infection of the throat region and tonsils characterized by itchiness and soreness. The name itself suggests that the causal pathogen is Streptococcus bacteria. There are several strains of Group A Streptococcus bacteria, which are capable of causing this throat infection. In healthy people, they are present in the nasal passages and throat area without causing any infection. Under certain conditions, they multiply rapidly and result in strep throat symptoms. Some strains are more virulent than others and result in severe illnesses.
Don’t Miss: Can Minuteclinic Prescribe Antibiotics For Uti
Argument #: Antibiotics Reduce The Rate Of Non
The two major non-suppurative complications are: Post-strep Glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever . No study has ever shown that PSGN can be prevented and so, we are left with RF.
Evidence for preventing RF and subsequent rheumatic heart disease comes from a series of studies performed in the 1950s at the Warren Air Force Base. In this military population, investigators found that 2% of patients with strep throat developed RF. With antibiotics, this rate fell to 1% giving an absolute risk reduction of 1% and an NNT of 50-60 to prevent RF . The work done by these researchers forms the basis for treatment over the last five decades.
However, we must ask the question of whether these studies apply to our patients today. The rate of RHD in the westernized world is exquisitely low. In fact, the CDC stopped tracking the incidence in 1995 when it fell below 1 per million. Numerous RCTs in
developed countries have shown no cases of RF or RHD in patients treated with placebo .
Based on the current incidence of RF in the US, we would need to treat about 2 million patients with strep throat in order to prevent a single case of RF. In addition, only 1 out of every 3 patients who develops RF will subsequently develop RHD. Treating millions of patients with pharyngitis in the pursuit prevention of single digit cases of RHD in the western world makes no sense.
Visit A Trustcare Location Near You
Ultimately, strep throat is a condition that can be easy to deal with when you have help from a doctor. If you have a sore throat or other symptoms related to strep, dont wait to see if it will get better. It may clear up on its own eventually, but it will be after possibly several weeks of agonizing throat pain. Instead, plan to see one of the excellent physicians at TrustCare simply walk-in to one of our many convenient locations.
Don’t Miss: What Antibiotic Treat Uti And Sinus Infection
Talk With Your Doctor
If you have strep throat, your doctor will prescribe the antibiotic they think is most appropriate for you. In most cases, this would be penicillin or amoxicillin. However, some people are prescribed a Z-Pack or generic azithromycin.
If you have further questions about either medication, be sure to ask your doctor. Your questions might include:
- Is this the best drug to treat my strep throat?
- Am I allergic to penicillin or amoxicillin? If so, are there any other drugs I should avoid?
- What should I do if my throat still hurts after I finish my medication?
- What can I do to relieve my sore throat while I wait for the antibiotic to work?
Alternatives To Antibiotics For Strep Throat
In addition to taking the above antibiotics, doctors also prescribe trying some remedies to get relief from symptoms of strep throat.
- Gargle with salt water to clear the throat and get relief from the pain.
- Using throat sprays that contain topical anesthetics can provide relief temporarily.
- Keep the throat moist with lozenges
- Sip on warm beverages such as tea with honey, herbal teas, etc. regularly
- Use apple cider vinegar in diluted form while gargling
Recommended Reading: Mexican Antibiotics For Tooth Infection
What Cant Antibiotics Do
Remember that only bacterial infections can be cured with antibiotics, which means that antibiotics dont bring into play when dealing with common virus-caused diseases .
So, youd better ask the doctor. He/she will let you know that its necessary to prescribe other antiviral medicines so that your illness can be removed completely. For HOW LONG DOES STREP THROAT LAST WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS, you might want to check out this post.
Conventional Strep Throat Treatment
The most common strep throat treatment is antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Research suggests that just mentioning a sore throat to a doctor almost guarantees a prescription for antibiotics, even though viral infections cause 85 to 90 percent of sore throats in adults.
Studies show that antibiotics are only somewhat helpful when used for strep throat. They can improve symptoms at 3 to 4 days and cut the length of the illness by about half a day. Antibiotic treatment doesnt seem to affect time off from school or work.
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are also used to relieve the pain related to strep throat.
You May Like: How Can You Get Antibiotics
Why Your Strep Throat Keeps Coming Back
Youve probably had that scratchy, itchy feeling. The one that starts in the back of your throat and suddenly turns into a painful burning sensation. Some people say its like trying to swallow broken glass. Now thats a pretty vivid description of the common sore throat and if you have ever had one that bad then youre not likely to forget it. Usually, a simple sore throat will come along with some other symptoms, like a cough or runny nose and it will likely go away on its own in a few days. But what does it mean if it lingers? That can be a sign of the dreaded strep throat.
Can Strep Throat Be Prevented Or Avoided
Strep throat is very contagious. It can be hard to protect yourself when you are around people who are infected with strep throat. Try to avoid people who have strep, when possible. If you must be around someone who has strep throat, be sure to wash your hands frequently. Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs.
Recommended Reading: Low Dose Antibiotics For Uti
Test And Examination Of Strep Throat
The following tests help to identify the severity of strep throat before deciding on a treatment course:
#1. Rapid Test
Usually, a rapid strep test is useful to check for the presence of GAS or any other bacterial infection.
The test is done using a swab that goes to the back of your throat collecting the sample. This sample is then analyzed.
Though the test results come out within 5 minutes, it could even come out to be negative in spite of you having the infection.
In such cases, doctors may conduct additional testing of the sample.
#2. Throat Culture
A throat culture is time-consuming and works in the cases where the sample on the swab has bacteria that need time to grow.
But while it takes time, it shows results that rapid tests miss.
Culture is an important test if the doctor suspects strep throat, as undetected strep throat can cause complications like rheumatic fever.
Based on the results, the doctor suggests the most effective treatment.
What Can Make My Sore Throat Feel Better
Here are some things that might help you feel better:
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce fever. Children should not take aspirin. Aspirin can cause a serious illness called Reyes syndrome when it is given to children younger than 18 years of age.
- Gargle with warm salt water .
- Adults and older children can suck on throat lozenges, hard candy, pieces of ice, or popsicles.
- Eat soft foods and drink cool drinks or warm liquids .
- Get plenty of rest. Sleep helps your body fight infection.
- Drink plenty of water. This helps keep your throat lubricated and helps prevent dehydration.
- Avoid acidic or spicy foods and drinks .
Don’t Miss: Can Bronchitis Be Treated With Antibiotics
Strep Throat: Symptoms And Treatment
15 October 18
Strep throat is an infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Streptococcus .
Streptococcal pharyngitis is highly contagious and can spread by nasal secretions and saliva. Strep throat most often afflicts children younger than 16, and is most common in the United States in the winter and spring, according to the Mayo Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Macrolides Antibiotics : : Clarithromycin Stopped Working
I was prescribed these tablets last year to treat my acne and they worked for a while I was clear but in the last month or two I have started getting my acne back again and don’t know what to do as am taking two tablets a day already. Do I go back to the doctors and ask for another referral or can someone help as its getting me down as it’s on my face.
You May Like: Over The Counter Antibiotics For Rabbits
Treating Strep Throat With Z
If your doctor thinks azithromycin is a good choice for you, they may prescribe a generic version of azithromycin or a Z-Pack.
Each Z-Pack contains six 250-milligram tablets of Zithromax. You would take two tablets on the first day, followed by one tablet daily for four days.
A Z-Pack typically takes at least five days to fully work, but it can start to relieve your sore throat and other symptoms on the first day you take it. If your doctor prescribes a generic version of azithromycin, your treatment may only last three days.
Be sure to take your Z-Pack or generic azithromycin exactly as your doctor prescribes. This is true even if you feel better before youve taken the full course of treatment.
If you stop taking an antibiotic early, it could make the infection come back or make future infections more difficult to treat.
What Is Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils that is caused by a bacterium known as Group A streptococcus. Strep throat spreads from person to person very easily, especially among family members. It is common in school-aged children but also occurs in adults.
Strep throat can very rarely cause more serious illnesses, such as rheumatic fever, a disease that can harm the heart valves. So, it’s important that strep throat is appropriately diagnosed and treated. With proper treatment, strep throat is usually cured within 10 days.
Read Also: How To Treat Sore Throat Without Antibiotics
To Prevent Spreading The Infection:
14. Avoid Contact
As long as you have strep throat symptoms, dont sneeze or cough on others in order to stop the bacteria from spreading. Do not share glasses, utensils, plates or food with anyone for two weeks. Use a powerful and natural soap, like castile soap, to wash your dishes and the surfaces in your bathroom and kitchen counter.
15. Wash Your Hands
Be sure to wash your hands throughout the day, especially if you are around other people. Use an antibacterial soap to get rid of any trace of group A strep. One example is this Homemade Hand Soapwith castile soap and peppermint oil.
16. Replace Your Toothbrush
Replace your toothbrush when you first show symptoms of strep throat and then again after you are well. This will help you to avoid reinfecting yourself with another group A strep infection.
How Do People Get Strep Throat
The bacteria that cause strep throat tend to hang out in the nose and throat. So normal activities like sneezing, coughing, or shaking hands can easily spread an infection from one person to another.
Kids with untreated strep throat are more likely to spread the infection when their symptoms are most severe, but can still infect others for up to 3 weeks.
That’s why it’s so important to teach kids the importance of hand washing. Good hygiene can lessen their chances of getting contagious diseases like strep throat.
You May Like: Where To Buy Antibiotics Over The Counter
