How to Avoid Spreading Strep Throat at Home

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can spread quickly through your house. Some symptoms of the condition are white patches at the back of the throat, trouble swallowing, fever, swollen neck glands and enlarged tonsils. Most strep throat is treated with a 10-day course of antibiotics combined with rest. Some complications of not treating strep or not finishing your antibiotic regimen include rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, blood infections and kidney disease. With a few steps and some antibiotics, you should have no trouble keeping strep throat from spreading to the rest of your family.

Things You'll Need

• Antibiotics
• Soap
• Water
• Dish
• Glass
• Fork
• Spoon
• Tissue
• Toothbrush

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of the bacteria from one person to another. Take the time to thoroughly scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds, and ensure that all members of the household wash their hands regularly.

• 2

  Eat and drink out of special dishes and glasses to prevent spreading strep throat. Do not let anyone use your utensils, napkins or towels when sick. Wash dishware in hot, soapy water to ensure that the bacteria is cleaned from the surfaces.

• 3

  Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. This ensures that all infected droplets are contained in the hand or tissue and are not communicated between family members. Wash hands afterward, even when using a tissue.

• 4

  Discard your toothbrush after your strep throat has run its course to avoid reinfecting yourself with the bacteria.

• 5

  Take all of your prescribed antibiotics to ensure that the bacteria is eliminated from your system. Even if you are feeling better, the bacteria is still present, and the antibiotic medication is required.