It is generally recommended to clean the house thoroughly the day after your treatment for strep is complete. Depending on your individual condition, this may mean two days after you start taking antibiotics.
Before you begin cleaning, it is important to take precautions to protect other people in your household from exposure to your infection. This includes washing your hands frequently and disinfecting surfaces with household cleaners.
Additionally, it is essential to wear a face mask when cleaning and to never share cleaning supplies or items that may be contaminated with saliva. After your treatment is complete, it is essential to throw away used tissues, disinfect all kitchen and bathroom surfaces, and wash bed linen, towels, and clothing in hot water.
Vacuum floors, carpets, and furniture to prevent bacteria from spreading. Additionally, do not forget to disinfect medical items such as thermometers, breathing masks, and other medical supplies. Taking these precautions will help make sure you have a safe, clean home to return to after you have recovered from your strep infection.
How long does strep stay active on surfaces?
Strep bacteria can survive on surfaces for varying amounts of time depending on environmental factors. In ideal conditions, like low temperatures, the bacteria can live up to 70 days, while in less ideal conditions, such as warm and humid, they are usually only viable for around 24 hours.
It’s important to note that strep bacteria can survive in almost any environment, but can quickly die when exposed to certain cleaning products, such as soaps and disinfectants. In general, to prevent the spread of strep bacteria, it is important to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces on a regular basis.
How do you clean dishes after strep throat?
It is important to take extra precaution when cleaning dishes if someone in your home has strep throat. To clean dishes after strep throat, start by putting on rubber gloves. Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before putting them on and avoid touching your face in the meantime.
Next, fill a clean sink or large bowl with very hot water, hot enough that the water would be uncomfortable to the touch. Add some dish soap to the water and mix it up to create suds. Soak the dishes for at least 10 minutes, being careful not to cross-contaminate them, and scrub them with a cleaning brush.
Rinse the dishes in clean, very hot water and let them air dry or use a clean paper towel to dry them by hand. Avoid using a dishcloth or sponge to dry the dishes, as these can be difficult to clean and may spread the bacteria that causes strep throat.
Finally, properly store the dishes to avoid any further cross-contamination.
Should I wash my sheets after having strep?
Yes, you should definitely wash your sheets after having strep. Not only can strep survive on non-porous surfaces, like your sheets, for up to 48 hours, but it can also be passed from person to person through contact with an infected person’s bodily secretions.
Washing your sheets and pillowcases regularly helps reduce the risk of you or anyone else in your household contracting strep. It’s also important to ensure that you use a hot-water cycle to kill any lingering germs.
Plus, washing your sheets regularly will help keep them clean and free of allergens and other potential irritants that could affect your health.
Can you reinfect yourself with strep?
Yes, it is possible to become reinfected with strep. This is because strep is caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus, which can live in the throat and on the skin. When someone is infected with strep, the bacteria can survive in their body for a few weeks, months, or even years.
Reinfection can occur when someone is exposed to another person infected with strep or when they come into contact with an object that has the bacteria on it, such as a doorknob or a toy. It can also occur if a person doesn’t practice proper hygiene, like washing their hands after using the restroom or before touching food.
There are some risk factors that can increase the chance of reinfection, including health conditions like diabetes and HIV, poor nutrition, and environmental factors, such as contact with animals.
To help prevent reinfection, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands often and after using the restroom, and avoiding contact with people who are infected with strep. Vaccines are also available to help reduce the risk of strep and other types of infections.
What naturally kills strep throat?
The body’s immune system naturally fights off strep throat infections, however several home remedies may help to reduce symptoms and facilitate the healing process. These include drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with salt water, using honey and lemon in hot water, and taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
In addition, it is important to get plenty of rest, keep the throat moist, and avoid smoking. Herbal remedies such as ginger, fenugreek, and eucalyptus can also be effective. Good oral hygiene can help to prevent the spread of strep throat, although antibiotics are generally necessary to clear up strep throat completely.
Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and cephalosporins are usually prescribed. In most cases, strep throat will resolve with antibiotics within a few days or weeks.
Should I throw away my Chapstick after strep?
No, you do not necessarily need to throw away your Chapstick after having strep throat. Strep throat is caused by bacteria, which can be killed with proper hygiene and antibiotics if prescribed by a doctor.
If you keep your Chapstick clean by washing it regularly, there is no need to throw it away. You should, however, avoid sharing your Chapstick with anyone else if you have had or currently have strep throat.
Additionally, if you’ve been prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take all of the prescribed dosage and finish the entire course of antibiotics to prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant. By doing these things, you can keep your Chapstick and prevent spreading the bacteria to other people.
When should I change my toothbrush after strep?
It is always advisable to change your toothbrush after any illness, including strep. This is because germs, bacteria, and viruses can linger on your toothbrush bristles, even after you have completed the recommended course of antibiotics for treatment.
If the bacteria from your strep infection is left on your toothbrush, it can easily cause a reinfection. To prevent this, throw out your current toothbrush after finishing your antibiotics, and replace it with a new one.
Other items such as your toothbrush cover and toothpaste should also be replaced. Additionally, it is also recommended to change your toothbrush every three to four months, in order to make sure your brushing experience is efficient and your teeth are properly cleaned.
Can my child get strep throat again?
Yes, it is possible for your child to get strep throat again. Strep throat is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, and it is highly contagious. Even if a person has had strep in the past and developed antibodies to the bacteria, they can still be infected by another strain at a later time.
Additionally, as immunity can naturally decline over time, a person can become susceptible to the same bacterium they were previously affected by. Those who have had strep throat once, or even multiple times, should still take preventative measures to reduce their risk of getting it again.
These include washing their hands regularly and avoiding contact with people who are ill. Additionally, staying up to date on vaccinations can help to prevent multiple cases of strep throat.
How do I clean my water bottle after strep?
Cleaning a water bottle after strep is important to prevent the spread of bacteria and other germs. Here is a step-by-step guide to clean your water bottle after strep:
1. Disassemble the water bottle (if applicable). If the water bottle has any small parts or accessories, remove and set aside.
2. Wash the bottle (and accessories if applicable) in hot, soapy water. Use a soft-bristled scrub brush for more stubborn dirt. Rinse the bottle and accessories in hot water.
3. Disinfect the bottle with a bleach solution. Mix 1 teaspoon of bleach per quart of warm water in a small bowl or container. Submerge the bottle and accessories in the solution and let them sit for 1-2 minutes.
Rinse in hot water afterwards.
4. Check the bottle for visible signs of growth. If there are any slimy patches or discoloration, use a sponge to scrub the area lightly.
5. Allow the bottle to dry completely, preferably in direct sunlight. Make sure all parts are completely dry before assembling and using the bottle.
When in doubt, it’s always better to discard the bottle and buy a new one to be sure you are drinking clean and safe water.