Preventing strep throat: practical steps

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. It can spread through close contact with saliva or respiratory droplets, especially in households, classrooms and shared living spaces. A sore throat, fever and swollen glands can also occur with viral illnesses, so symptoms alone cannot confirm strep throat.

Reducing contact with saliva, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and staying home while unwell can limit transmission. A clinician may assess the throat and decide whether testing or treatment is appropriate.

Wash hands with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing cups, cutlery, toothbrushes or food. Improve airflow where possible and wash dishes after use. Replace a toothbrush only when a clinician advises it as part of treatment. Do not take antibiotics without an assessment; they do not treat every sore throat.

If strep throat is diagnosed, follow the prescribed antibiotic instructions and ask when the person can safely return to school or work. Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms are severe, persistent or affecting drinking.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow fluids, drooling, severe dehydration, or rapidly increasing swelling. Arrange prompt assessment for a persistent sore throat with fever, swollen glands, marked fatigue, or a worsening illness. Tonsillitis can have several causes, so do not assume that every sore throat is strep throat.

Ask whether your symptoms need a GP consultation, whether testing is useful, how to prevent household spread, and how to take antibiotic treatment safely if it is prescribed. Check which changes should prompt reassessment.