Tips for beating strep throat

I have lots of clients who seem to never get rid of their strep throat or experience repeated re-infections. This seems to be especially common in families where multiple members may be infected. 

Incomplete treatment or multiple re-infections have the potential to disrupt your life and your health. Between doctor’s visits, missed work, and prescription medications, the costs of treating strep throat can start to add up. And repeated infections have the potential to lead to longer term health issues. So there are many reasons why treating it completely and avoiding re-infection are desirable. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind next time you have strep throat.

1. The most important step in treating your strep throat is to take your antibiotic exactly as it’s prescribed. This means taking all of the doses, and taking them on the correct schedule. Remember, even if your sore throat feels better after two days of medication, that does not mean the infection is cured. It’s common for people to stop taking their antibiotic once the sore throat goes away, and to “save” those extra pills for the next time they feel bad or to give them to another family member. Unfortunately, this usually results in chronic strep infection and eventually decreases the effectiveness of medication to treat your strep throat.
2. One of the primary modes for re-infection or incompletely treated strep throat is via your toothbrush. Your toothbrush harbors bacteria from your mouth and throat. If you have strep throat, that means your toothbrush has strep throat too!

Remember to throw out your current toothbrush and start with a new one! I recommend people buy a pack of inexpensive disposable toothbrushes to use while they are taking their medication. Once they are done with their course of antibiotics, they can start back on a new toothbrush. 

Please know that if you share a toothbrush holder with someone in your family, they will also need to change toothbrushes as there is a risk of spreading the infection to them. Individuals prone to strep throat infections might consider having their own toothbrush holder.

3. Try not to share drinking glasses or utensils while you are being treated for strep throat, and make sure all utensils are properly cleaned after use – preferably in a dishwasher. Some people find it helpful to use disposable plastic cups and utensils while they are being treated to avoid re-contaminating themselves or family members.
4. If you are experiencing successive strep throat infections, consult with your doctor to see if you need to switch antibiotics.