Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that can cause a painful sore throat, fever, and swollen glands. Caused by Group A Streptococcus, this infection is highly contagious. While it frequently affects children between the ages of 5 and 15, anyone can contract it.
How Strep Throat Spreads
Strep throat primarily spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These tiny droplets can travel through the air and be inhaled by others nearby, leading to new infections. The bacteria can also be transmitted through direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as mucus or saliva.
The bacteria can survive on surfaces, allowing for indirect transmission. If someone touches a contaminated object, like a doorknob or shared toy, and then touches their own nose, mouth, or eyes, the bacteria can enter their system. Individuals without symptoms can still spread the infection. People are contagious for several days if untreated, though antibiotics significantly reduce this period to 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment.
Essential Hygiene Habits
Practicing thorough handwashing is an effective way to prevent the spread of strep throat. Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly before eating and after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be used.
Covering coughs and sneezes is another habit to contain respiratory droplets. Cough or sneeze into a tissue, disposing of it immediately. If a tissue is not available, coughing or sneezing into the upper sleeve or elbow is recommended, not your hands. Minimizing contact with the face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, reduces the chance of transferring bacteria from hands to mucous membranes.
Avoiding the sharing of personal items helps prevent transmission. This includes eating utensils, drinking glasses, plates, and towels. These items can harbor bacteria from an infected individual and transfer them to others.
Reducing Risk in Your Environment
Maintaining a clean environment minimizes exposure to strep throat bacteria. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces is important, particularly in shared living or working spaces. High-traffic areas such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and children’s toys can harbor bacteria for extended periods, potentially months.
Using disinfectants certified to kill bacteria can effectively reduce surface contamination. In addition to surface hygiene, maintaining a reasonable distance from individuals who are sick can help prevent droplet transmission. If possible, avoiding crowded settings during peak illness seasons can lower the risk of exposure.
Anyone with strep throat should stay home from school, work, or other public activities. This helps prevent further spread of the bacteria. Individuals should remain home until their fever has subsided and they have completed at least 24 hours of antibiotic treatment, as this renders them non-contagious.
Boosting Your Body’s Defenses
Supporting the body’s natural defenses helps resist infections. Ensuring adequate sleep is an important component of a strong immune system. Adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, while children need between 8 and 14 hours, depending on their age.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides vitamins and minerals that support immune function. Nutrients like Vitamin C and Zinc, found in produce and other foods, contribute to the body’s protective mechanisms. Consistent physical activity benefits overall health and helps manage stress, supporting immune resilience.
Staying well-hydrated throughout the day is beneficial, as it helps keep the mucous membranes in the throat moist. This creates a less hospitable environment for bacteria. While these practices do not directly prevent strep throat, they contribute to a robust immune system, making the body less susceptible to various infections.