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 Effective Remedies for the Flu and Strep Throat Infections

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 Effective Remedies for the Flu and Strep Throat Infections

Having a runny nose might seem irritating and cause discomfort, and in the case of children, it may be tougher to handle the condition. This situation may bother you, but there are available flu & strep Sugar Land treatments to help you or your child recover from the infections and leave you feeling healthy again.

What is the difference between the flu and strep throat?

The flu is also known as influenza, an infection that affects your respiratory system; lungs, throat, and nose. The influenza virus transmits through tiny airdrops if a person who has the flu sneezes or coughs around you. Strep throat is an infection that causes scratchy, raspy, and itchy throat. The condition stems from a bacterium, Streptococcus pyogenes, a very highly transmissible bacteria. Strep throat is spread when droplets from a person who has the infection sneeze or cough. Surfaces with bacteria can also be a source of infection.

What are the symptoms of flu and strep throat?

Both infections can affect all ages, so if you or your loved one develop the following symptoms, you should visit your doctor. The symptoms may be:

·                     Sore throat

·                     Fever

·                     Swollen tonsils

·                     Headache

·                     Stuffy nose

You may also develop the symptoms but not have strep throat. The flu may feel a lot more like a common cold in its initial stages, but the flu comes on suddenly. The flu also feels much worse than a cold. If strep throat is not treated, it can lead to further complications like rheumatic fever or inflammation in the kidney. If the symptoms start worsening, you develop chest pains, seizures, or difficulty breathing; you should get immediate medical care.

How are flu and strep throat treated?

Your doctor may first have to conduct a comprehensive physical examination through tests to check for flu symptoms or strep throat. Both infections can use the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test because the test is quick to spot the strains of the infections. Your doctor may also request a COVID-19 test to rule out its possibility. If you happen to have any of the infections, you will need to start treatment. Your doctor may give you painkillers and antibiotics to help reduce the symptoms and lower the risk of spread. If your doctor says the infection is severe, you may have to take an antiviral to help you recover from the flu. You should take the medication with food to reduce nausea and vomiting. You may also adopt some remedies at home like:

·                     Drinking plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration and keep your throat moist

·                     Get enough rest to help your body fight off the infection

·                     Use honey to soothe your throat. But do not give honey if your child is younger than a year.

·                     Gargling with salty water

After a few days, you should feel better in your throat, and you should take your total dosage. Seek emergency services if you see no improvement after two days of medication.

If you suspect you have the flu or strep throat, visit St. Michael’s Elite Hospital to find out more about the infection, get proper treatment, or book your appointment online.

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