link between vitamin D deficiency and respiratory infections for years. Scientific evidence shows the important role vitamin D plays in the immune system because of its antimicrobial defenses. A recent study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases shows that there’s a link between vitamin D deficiency and the recurrence of respiratory conditions caused by group A strep bacteria.
What Does Prevention Look Like?
Strep throat can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
It’s an infection treated with antibiotics.
Unlike with the common cold or flu, there are no over-the-counter medications to for strep throat. So, the sooner you can get into a medical office, the sooner you can start to feel better and reduce the risk of spreading the bacteria to others.
“Some strains of the bacteria can lead to complications so we treat with antibiotics to reduce that risk,” Hart said. “Also, we treat to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms and prevent transmission to others.”
Stay away from other people for 24 hours.
Strep throat is highly contagious and you can easily pass it on to family members, friends, and coworkers. That risk lessens after 24 hours of being on antibiotic treatment.
“After receiving a strep throat diagnosis and taking antibiotics for the first 24 hours, a person is minimally contagious,” Hart said. “So, make sure to take all medications as prescribed.”
Like what you read? Read more here and share!