Sore Throat (cont.)
Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. Medical Editor:
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhDDr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications. IN THIS ARTICLE
Sore Throat PreventionAvoiding close contact with ill people can help a person from getting a throat infection. Cold viruses appear to be more readily transmitted than Streptococcal infections. Only about 25% of family members exposed to Streptococcus develop strep throat. Usually a person with strep throat becomes noninfectious within 24 hours after the first antibiotic dose. The incubation period (the time between exposure to strep germs and onset of illness) is usually 2-5 days. Children should stay home from school and day care during infectious periods. Being vigilant about hand washing is the best way to prevent any kind of infection. Many viruses can be transmitted by contamination of common surfaces. It is important to teach children the importance of hand washing using soap and water and/or hand sanitizer. Avoid sharing of drinking and eating utensils and other personal items can also be an effective preventive measure. Next Page: Must Read Articles Related to Sore Throat
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Viewer Comments & ReviewsSore Throat (Pharyngitis) - Length Symptoms LastedThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:How long did the symptoms of your sore throat (pharyngitis) last? Was there anything in particular that helped with pain/symptom relief? Sore Throat - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What treatment was effective for your sore throat? |
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