Don't brush off the risk of strep reoccurrence

Here’s a tidbit of information that you may not have known before. If you or your child has been diagnosed with strep throat (streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus) you should get a new toothbrush after you’re no longer contagious and before you finish your prescription for antibiotics.

“Otherwise,” according to healthcentral.com, “the bacteria can live in the toothbrush and re-infect you when the antibiotics are done.” Interesting, eh?

Now let’s take a look at strep throat. What is it? It’s a bacterial infection that is spread through contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze, or by sharing food and drink. The Mayo Clinic observes that you can pick up the bacteria from doorknobs or other surfaces that you might touch and then touch your nose, mouth and eyes. And, surprisingly the bacteria can live on your toothbrush.

Strep throat mostly affects children between the ages of five and fifteen, although anyone can get it. Symptoms include throat pain, difficulty swallowing, red, swollen tonsils with white patches or streaks of pus. Add a fever, headache, rash, tiny red spots in the mouth, a stomachache possible accompanied by vomiting and fatigue.

Now, you or your child may have these symptoms and not have strep throat. So it’s imperative that you seek professional medical care particularly if you have swollen glands, a sore throat that lasts more than 48 hours, a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or any fever that lasts more than two days.

The medico will take a swab that doesn’t hurt, but may cause a bit of gagging, then will either test it right there with what’s called a rapid antigen test or send it to the lab to be cultured for the presence of bacteria. In some instances he or she may do both.

The most common treatment is a course of antibiotics. You will most likely be prescribed an oral antibiotic and, as always, you’ll be instructed to take all the pills even after you’re feeling better. If you, or your child, are not feeling better in a day or two call the medico.

Strep throat in itself isn’t dangerous, but it can lead to complications. Some serious complications. Strep bacteria may spread causing infection in your ears, tonsils, sinuses, blood and skin. The infection may also lead to other inflammatory illnesses such as Scarlet fever, Rheumatic fever and inflammation of the kidneys.

Mayo’s website also says, “Researchers are investigating a possible link between strep infection and a rare condition called Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder (PANDAS). This is a term used to describe certain children whose symptoms of neuropsychiatric conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder or tic disorders are exacerbated by strep infection.”

If diagnosed with a strep infection, stay home from work, school or childcare at least 24 hours after starting on antibiotics. 48 hours would be better. If your family repeatedly gets strep throat you may be in contact with a carrier. That’s someone who has no symptoms but carries the bacteria. Your practitioner can test your family members so they can be treated.

To prevent a recurrence, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and teach your children to do so as well. Wash your hands properly and regularly. Keep an alcohol-based sanitizer on hand and use it. Wash eating utensils and drinking glasses in hot soapy water or your dishwasher. And finally, don’t share personal items. Toothbrushes are inexpensive.

Kathy Hubbard is a trustee on Bonner General Hospital Foundation Board. She can be reached at 264-4029 or kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.