Step 1 See your doctor for a throat culture. An instant strep throat
test can tell you if you have strep throat in less than 30 minutes.
Step 2 Take antibiotics as ordered by your doctor - generally 250 mg of
penicillin G orally every six hours. The penicillin family is very
effective in killing the strep bacteria.
Step 3 Check your temperature twice a day, to assess the severity of
your infection. (See "How To Diagnose Strep Throat.")
Step 4 Take aspirin, if you are an adult, to reduce fever and
inflammation. Give acetaminophen to children as recommended by your
doctor.
Step 5 Suck on throat lozenges - especially those containing menthol,
benzocaine or phenol, which will help numb the throat, if you are an
adult. Give children cough drops or hard candy.
Step 6 Gargle with mint mouthwash or salt water. (See "How to Gargle.")
Rinse your toothbrush in mouthwash between brushings. Strep can live on
your toothbrush.
Step 7 Avoid cigarette smoke and other airborne irritants.
Step 8 Drink ice-cold beverages. Try filling a glass half full of
crushed ice, then pouring orange juice over the ice. Let sit for 10
minutes, insert a straw, and suck slowly, letting the icy juice rest a
moment on the back of your throat.
Step 9Add moisture to the air with a humidifier, vaporizer or by sitting
in a steamy shower or bath.
Step 10 Get lots of rest.