Strep throat is a common throat infection caused by bacteria. It is highly contagious and very painful. If you suspect you have strep throat, it is important to see as soon as possible. Take antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to prevent possible complications such as rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation. Do what you can to cope while you wait for your appointment.
Instructions
1. Recognize the symptoms. Strep throat usually comes with severe throat pain, swollen tonsils and difficulty swallowing. You typically run a fever and often have a headache that accompanies your throat symptoms. These symptoms, however, are not exclusive to , so see your doctor as soon as possible. You doctor will examine you and run a quick in-office strep test to see if a course of antibiotics is necessary.
2. Follow your doctor's orders. Once diagnosed with strep throat, get your prescription filled and take your antibiotics regularly and on time. To get the most benefit from antibiotics, it is important to take them on a regular schedule without skipping any doses. Always finish the entire antibiotic course even if you feel completely better.
3. Get extra rest. Sleep helps your body fight off infection. Stay home from work and school and use the extra time to sleep as much as possible. Do not return to work or school until your fever is gone and the pain subsides.
4. Drink extra water. Water keeps your body hydrated and your throat moist. The extra moisture lubricates your throat and helps make swallowing easier.
5. Gargle with warm salt water. This helps alleviate throat pain associated with Strep throat. Fill a glass with 8 oz of warm water and mix in 1/4 of a teaspoon of salt. Gargle vigorously and spit out the water when you are finished. Do it several times a day until the .
6. Humidify your room. Use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. This prevents the mucous membranes in your throat from getting dry and irritated.
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