Understanding Strep Throat -- Prevention

How Can I Prevent Strep Throat?

The best way to avoid strep throat is to avoid close contact with someone who is already infected with strep. It may also be helpful to reduce stress, get plenty of rest, and fortify your body's natural defenses. Frequent hand washing can help prevent infection as well.

The bacteria are spread by sneezing, coughing, shaking hands, putting your hands to your face or eyes, or close contact with people who are infected. You can also pick up strep by touching objects such as books, doorknobs, tables, or other hard surfaces that were touched by a contaminated person and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth -- hand washing or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help prevent this.

See your doctor if you quickly develop a fever and sore throat simultaneously. These are the hallmark symptoms of strep throat. Stomachaches and headaches are common in children with strep throat. However, most people with strep do not have prominent congestion, cough, or diarrhea. Early treatment may help prevent strep from developing into a more serious problem, such as rheumatic fever.

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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!

Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!

SOURCES:

American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010

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