If you have ever had strep throat, you know how absolutely awful it is. You feel like you're swallowing razor blades every time you try to eat or even swallow your own saliva. It's no wonder that people want to do everything in their power to prevent getting strep again once they've had it.
One of the things many people believe they need to do is disinfect everything around them once they've been diagnosed with strep. While this might seem like a good idea, it's not entirely necessary.
Understanding Streptococcus Bacteria
Before we dive into whether or not disinfecting after strep is worth your time and effort, let's talk a bit about the bacteria itself.
Streptococcus bacteria are responsible for causing several different diseases in humans, ranging from mild to severe. For example:
- Strep throat
- Scarlet fever
- Impetigo
- Necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease)
- Toxic shock syndrome
There are several groups of these bacteria — one of which being group A Streptococcus (GAS) — which are known for causing most cases of invasive infection worldwide.
While GAS can live on surfaces such as tables, counters, and toys for up to 24 hours under certain conditions (such as warmth and moisture), contracting an infection by touching contaminated surface isn't very common at all (thank goodness)!
Can You Get Infected Through Surfaces?
We mentioned above that while the gas bacterium can survive outside the human body for some period when left on surfaces - but there has generally never been confirmed transmission through environmental exposure via fomites/hospital equipment etc...
Research suggests that spread occurs mainly through direct contact with respiratory droplets expelled by an infected person when talking or coughing. Secondary spread — or the transmission of the bacteria via objects — is quite rare.
So, if you're infected with GAS, it's far more likely that you gave it to yourself (by not washing your hands frequently). It's not as possible to contract an infection by touching the same objects as somebody else who has strep used prior.
Should You Disinfect Everything?
While cleaning and disinfecting surfaces might make you feel better about being diagnosed with strep throat, there isn't much scientific evidence suggesting that it actually significantly reduces the risk of catching a secondary infection in practical settings. Nonetheless:
- Use soap & water OR effective hand sanitizer on any body part before preparing food.
- Change towels and face masks regularly
- Cover your mouth while coughing/sneezing/laughing
Additionally,
If someone at home just contracted Strep Throat.
- Clean their bed linens and personal items every day - use hot clean water cycle for materials which allow for such temperatures. Wrap bedsheets into plastic bags after laundering so they don't get recontaiminated again.
All these aforementioned measures can help reduce the amount of 'red zone' areas where bacterial multiplication gains substantial foothold.
Just remember that excessive disinfection probably doesn't do too much to inhibit contracting infections when followed in otherwise stable living conditions!
Bacteria Builds Resistance
It’s also worth noting that over-cleaning can lead to antibiotic resistance development in certain populations of people already predisposed towards antibiotic-related issues (like seniors or patients suffering from prolonged illness).
We mustn’t forget what microbiologists have been warning us all along; Overuse, inappropriate usage leads to drug-resistant bugs eventually growing like weeds! The responsible culprits here are mainly Triclosan (toothpaste/dishwashing) products, childrens’ toys treated extensively etc..Ever had a sore feeling gums? Keep your hand down if you haven’t!
How to Clean Safely and Effectively
If you still want or need to disinfect areas after strep, it's important to make sure that you're doing so safely and effectively.
- Disposable gloves and eye protection should be worn while cleaning the area.
- Use a bleach solution (1 part bleach in 10 parts water) for hard surfaces such as tables, chairs, etc.
- Spray Lysol will work adequate provided its given time exposure of just a few minutes.
Remember not to mix bleach with anything else — especially ammonia - this is one major way people cause themselves unintended harm!
Also, never attempt 'off lab grade' sterilization techniques on household objects ????
Conclusion
In conclusion: While taking precautions like washing hands frequently and changing out personal items can help prevent future infections from developing during an episode of Strep Throat - over-killing with chemical agents can lead to other problems in most instances. So don't waste your energy trying to disinfect everything around the house; instead focus upon building better life hygiene practices over all???? !