The streptococcus infection is transmitted through bacteria,
like any other infection. In order to prevent exposure to this type of
bacteria, necessary precautions should be taken to avoid the spread of the
disease.
Avoid Contact
The best way to prevent a strep throat infection is to avoid
contact with the infected. You shouldn’t touch them unless it’s absolutely
necessary, and avoid sharing a close quarters environment if possible. Avoid
drinking or eating from the same utensils, since they can carry the bacteria. After 48 hours of taking antibiotics the
infected person is no longer contagious. So until then, keep your distance
whenever possible, as strep bacteria is very contagious. A proper antibiotic
treatment will guarantee the infected person is no longer contagious even when
some symptoms persist. If you know someone with strep, encourage them to stay
home and rest, especially in the beginning, when they are most contagious.
Wash Infected
Objects
Make sure to wash any object that has been in contact with a
person infected with strep. Since the strep bacteria is very contagious you
must wash these objects thoroughly to prevent bacteria transmission. Among the
most contagious items are silverware, straws, dishes, bedding and even
clothing. Almost anything can be
contaminated.
Wash items with bleach and boiling water to remove the
bacteria. In case you can’t properly wash something, consider replacing it. You
can also use color-safe bleach if you don’t want to strip your clothes from its
colors.
There are some objects that you can’t easily remove or wash,
like counters or door handles, but you can use an antibacterial spray or a rag
soaked in bleach to remove bacteria.Your toothbrush can contain the bacteria, dispose it after the
second day of treatment.
Avoid Sharing
When handling strep, absolutely nothing can be shared with the
infected individual. Avoid using the same plates, glasses and anything that
requires direct contact. Objects like soft toys, bedding, towels, handkerchiefs
and napkins should also not be shared.
Wash Your Hands
In order to prevent contagion of strep throat you must wash
your hands frequently, particularly if you are close to an infected person.
Since people are constantly touching their noses, faces and mouths, bacteria
can easily be transmitted from the infected person to almost any object. Wash
your hands with hot water and a fair amount of soap.
There is no need to wash your hands in an aggressive way,
instead of making them cleaner, this will weaken them, damaging the skin’s
natural barrier. Wash your hands for only 15 to 30 seconds to avoid damaging
the skin. Otherwise, bacteria can easily
penetrate the skin. If you have unavoidable contact with an infected person, avoid
touching your nose or mouth, and wash your hands as soon as possible. Other options such as hand sanitizers with
alcohol are also effective.
Cover Your Nose Or Mouth When You Cough Or Sneeze
It might seem pretty obvious but you should cover your mouth or
nose in order to prevent contagion to others.You should preferably use an arm
or tissues, as opposed to your hands.
Following the aforementioned steps will aid you in preventing the
contraction of strep throat infection.
