This article is reviewed, corrected, and approved by: Dr. Joshua Collins M.D. | MRCP। FRCP
Dealing with strep throat can be an unpleasant experience. The combination of a sore throat and a fever can make even simple actions like swallowing incredibly painful. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with strep throat, you're likely looking for any way to alleviate the discomfort as quickly as possible.
Sometimes it can feel like it takes forever to recover from inflammation, especially if you're waiting for antibiotics or your immune system to kick in. But there are things you can do at home to make yourself feel more comfortable while you wait for relief. Check out these ten self-care tips that might help you feel a little bit better and a little bit faster.
What is Strep Throat?
A type of bacteria group named Streptococcus is mainly responsible for causing a spreading bacterial infection known as strep throat, which is characterized by a severe sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils.
This infection is not limited to a specific age group, as it can affect people of all ages. In addition to the primary symptoms, individuals may also experience headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing.
Mono Throat Vs Strep Throat Vs Sore Throat Vs Laryngitis
Here are some common throat infections, both viral and bacterial. Understanding each condition will help you to identify the appropriate treatment and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection. The difference between laryngitis vs strep throat and mono throat vs sore throat are stated below.
How Does Overall Health Affect Strep Throat Healing?
Several factors can influence the recovery time for strep or even sore throat. While the average duration of strep throat is typically 3 to 10 days without treatment, the following factors can either prolong or shorten the recovery period:
Timely treatment
Starting antibiotic treatment early in the course of the illness can significantly shorten the duration of ICD 10 strep throat. Seeking medical attention upon experiencing symptoms is crucial for faster recovery.
Antibiotic adherence
Taking the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor is essential. Failure to complete the prescribed medication can lead to incomplete eradication of the bacteria, potentially prolonging the recovery time.
Individual immune response
The immune system of each individual reacts differently to illnesses. Factors such as overall health, immune function, and personal resilience can impact the speed of recovery from strep throat. A robust immune response may result in a quicker resolution of symptoms.
The severity of infection
The severity of the strep throat infection can affect the recovery time. More severe cases may require a longer time to fully recover compared to mild or moderate cases.
Overall health and well-being
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes consuming nutritious food, engaging in regular physical activity, and getting sufficient rest can lead to a strengthened immune system for individuals. Good overall health can contribute to a faster recovery from strep throat.
Compliance with self-care measures
Following self-care practices, such as getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relievers, can help alleviate symptoms and support the body's healing process. Adhering to these measures can contribute to a faster recovery.
Presence of complications
In some cases, strep throat may lead to complications, such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, or rheumatic fever. The presence of these complications can prolong the recovery time and may require additional medical interventions.
Strep Throat Self-care

To recover from strep throat, take antibiotics, rest, and manage symptoms with pain relievers and saltwater gargles. Follow up with a healthcare professional and seek medical attention if complications arise or symptoms persist.
Recovery time can take three to ten days with treatment. The recovery process for strep throat involves a combination of medical treatment and self-care measures and enables the immune system of the body to combat the illness. Here are ten self-care tips for fast Strep Throat recovery
- Rest: Getting enough rest is vital for the body to heal and recuperate. Make sure to get plenty of sleep and take time off from school or work to allow your body to recover fully.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated with water, herbal tea, soups, and broths. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Keep taking care of yourself!
- Warm salt water gargles: Gargle warm saltwater to reduce throat inflammation, neck pain, and sore throat. Mix salt in warm water, gargle for 30 sec, and repeat several times a day for relief.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: If you're looking to alleviate symptoms and feel better, taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful. Additionally, Z-shield is a reliable option for protecting against EBV and other viruses like VZV, CMV (Cytomegaly virus).
- Throat lozenges or sprays: By soothing the throat and reducing neck pain and sore throat, throat lozenges or gummies and throat sprays provide temporary relief. Choose products with ingredients like NAC, menthol, benzocaine, or eucalyptus.
- Humidifier: You can relieve throat irritation and dryness by using a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer in your bedroom.
- Avoid irritants: Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, as they can further irritate your throat and prolong the healing process. It is advisable to limit contact with other possible irritants like potent chemicals or pollutants.
- Soft foods: Consuming soft and easy-to-swallow foods can help minimize discomfort while eating. Opt for soothing foods like warm soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or smoothies, and avoid sugary beverages.
- Proper hygiene: If you want to avoid getting strep throat, make sure you are maintaining proper hygiene or not. And don't forget to use hand sanitizer and wash your hand.
- Avoid close contact: To prevent spreading the infection, avoid close contact with others until you have completed at least 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic treatment and are fever-free.
Homemade Strep Throat Self Care You Must Watch
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)
Q: What kills strep throat virus?
Ans: Strep is a bacterial infection; antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin can kill the bacteria and reduce symptoms. Also, Dr. Zelenko Z-flu and Z-Shield are effective against virus infection.
Q How long strep throat last?
Ans: There are no exact time to how long strep may last; it depends on an individual's immune system and how their body reacts to the infection. Typically ist lasts three to ten days.
Q: How to take a strep throat home test?
Ans: Strep throat home tests typically involve using a swab to collect a sample from the back of the throat. The collected sample is then inserted into a test kit, which provides results indicating the presence or absence of streptococcus bacteria within a few minutes.
Q What to eat with strep throat?
Ans: Choose easy-to-swallow, soothing foods for strep throat: warm broth, soft foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, pureed fruit, yogurt, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, cooked veggies, and ice cream for relief. Stay hydrated with warm or room-temperature fluids.
Q How long does strep throat last? without antibiotics?
Ans: Untreated strep throat lasts 7 to 10 days. Antibiotics can help with recovery, symptoms and prevent complications.
Q: Can you get strep without tonsils?
Ans: Yes, it is possible to get strep throat without tonsils. The bacterium that causes strep throat can infect other parts of the throat, not just the tonsils.
Q: Can I have strep throat and pink eye at the same time?
Ans: Yes, it is possible. Strep throat and pink eye can indicate acute bacterial conjunctivitis, an infection of the eye's thin membrane. Strep throat causes a sore throat, while pink eye causes redness, itching, and discharge.
Q: How can I find strep test near me?
Ans: You can contact a physician near where you live. Either you can visit a local clinic or urgent care center.
Conclusion
When you are about to deal with strep throat, it's important to prioritize self-care measures to alleviate discomfort and support the body's healing process. Rest, hydration, warm salt water gargles, over-the-counter pain relievers, throat lozenges, and maintaining proper hygiene are key.
Additionally, avoiding irritants, consuming soft foods, and seeking medical attention, if necessary, can contribute to a faster recovery. Remember to consult with an expert physician for personalized advice and treatment options.