May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Coughs Streptococal Infection: How to Avoid Them
Streptococal Infection: How to Avoid Them |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: My sister is in hospital with a streptococci infection, she has been very ill but is very much on the road to recovery. What i would like to know is A. We have been in contact with her in hospital so would like to know if it is contagious. And B. We would like to go into her flat and give it a clean and tidy it up for when she gets home so would like to know if its safe for us to do so or do we need to wear protective clothing, masks etc Thank you. There are several types of Streptococcal infection. Some types can cause serious disease specially in the very young, very old and those with depressed immune systems. In most healthy individuals, Streptococcal infection can still happen but the disease are usually non-life threatening (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, skin infection, bronchitis, etc). With regard to your first question, yes, it is contagious but in those with an intact immune system, infection is uncommon. If it does happen, it may be a mild one and can be treated with antibiotics. As to the second question, I don’t see any reason why you should wear additional protection for Streptococci. Actually, Streptococcus is everywhere and they are even considered normal residing bacteria in the airways and skin. However, when an individual’s immune system gets compromised (e.g. very young and very old), that is when these organisms take the opportunity (hence also called opportunistic) and infection can happen. You may wear masks, it is up to you but it is unreasonable to protect yourself from Streptococci found in the environment when it is already normally residing in your airways and skin. I would suggest though to boost up your immune system: load up on a lot of antioxidants (fruits and vegetables) and take Multivitamins so there will be a lesser chance (if at all) of you acquiring the infection. Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) are high in Vitamin C which has an important role in boosting the immune system. I do hope this helps. Take care always. |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 16 May 2011 ) |
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