4 Ways to Prevent Strep Throat

1. Wash Your Hands

You might not realize just how much your hands have to do with contagious throat infections. In fact, many contagious diseases are spread through hand-to-hand contact or picked up by touching items used by many people, such as doorknobs and stairwell handrails. The bacteria you pick up can then make its way into your body if you unknowingly rub your eye, touch your mouth or eat something without washing your hands.

You can avoid strep throat by being careful to wash or sanitize your hands frequently throughout the day. Many schools and workplaces are outfitting bathrooms with hand sanitizers, which are just as effective as washing thoroughly with soap and water. When cleaning your hands, or teaching your child proper hand-washing techniques, be sure to emphasize the importance of thorough cleaning. You should make sure to scrub every surface inch of both hands, including the nails.

2. Limit Close Contact

If a person with strep throat suddenly sneezes or coughs, germs become airborne that can then be transmitted to others in close proximity. Take care to keep your distance from anyone you know to be suffering from strep throat, and consider others if you contract it. Be careful to cover your mouth if you have to cough, and try not to shake other peoples' hands.

3. Don't Share Food or Drinks

Just as with the common cold, strep throat can be passed from one person to the next by sharing food, drinks or utensils. Cut your risk of catching strep throat by refusing offers to drink from other peoples' cups, glasses, cans or bottles, and always use your own cutlery when eating. If someone in your household has strep throat, be careful when handling any dishes, glasses or silverware that person has touched. There may be traces of contagious bacteria lingering. Wash the affected person's dishes in a dishwasher, if possible, or with the hottest water you can tolerate if washing by hand.

4. Consider a Tonsillectomy

If you or your child suffer from chronic episodes of strep throat, a tonsillectomy may be the best way to prevent future infections. You should discuss this option in detail with your doctor, since tonsillectomies aren't always simple, uncomplicated procedures. Post-surgical bleeding and infection can occur, and your child may have to miss significant school time while recovering from an operation. In general, it's better to avoid this option unless a specific infection of the tonsils coexists with your case of strep throat.