How to Identify and Help Prevent Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that makes the throat and tonsils feel sore and scratchy. Usually a sore throat sets in quickly, starting with pain when swallowing. Other common symptoms of sore throat include fever, red or swollen tonsils, tiny red spots at the back of the roof of the mouth, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes in the back of the neck.

Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, which can be found in a person’s nose or throat. These bacteria are spread by an infected person’s cough or sneeze. Group A Streptococcus germs can be transferred through sharing food, silverware, and utensils with an infected person, or touching surfaces after a person with strep throat touches them.

Safeguard with GermShield+ eliminates and protects against 3 of the 4 germ types, including group A Streptococcus bacteria, for up to 12 hours after hand washing. Adopting a habit of frequent hand washing throughout the day is a great way to keep these disease-causing bacteria away. If you think you already have strep throat, schedule a visit to your doctor for a diagnosis, but continue washing your hands in the meantime to help limit the spread of germs.