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Signs and Symptoms of Strep Throat

Home Care in Lexington OH

It might still be summer, but that does not mean that illness will not strike. Many people are under the misconception that sickness only occurs during the fall and winter months. The truth, however, is that bacterial and viral illnesses can occur at any time of the year, and many people fall victim to these illnesses during the summer months because of the constant exposure to air conditioning and indoor air that can be contaminated by the germs.

One illness that is often overlooked as a possibility for adults is strep throat. It is true that this illness occurs most commonly in children, but it still can, and does, occur in adults as well. Knowing the symptoms of this condition can help you to identify when your aging parent might be suffering from this condition. Keep in mind that there are other conditions and illnesses that can lead to these symptoms so it is vital to get your parent the medical attention that they need to ensure that they are put on the right course of treatment.

 

Signs and symptoms of strep throat include:

  • Sore throat symptoms that come on very suddenly
  • Pain and tightness during swallowing
  • Tonsils that are red and swollen, and may show white streaks or patches
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • The appearance of tiny red spots on the back of the roof of the mouth
  • Rash
  • Body aches
  • Nausea or vomiting

 

If your parent expresses any of these symptoms, it is vital to get them to the doctor as soon as possible as it could be a more serious situation:

  • Swollen lymph glands that are tender to the touch
  • Sore throat symptoms that last longer than 48 hours
  • A fever of more than 101 degrees
  • A fever that lasts longer than 48 hours
  • A rash that occurs at the same time as the sore throat symptoms
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing

 

After your parent receives a diagnosis of strep throat it is important that you monitor their condition carefully. If they do not show signs of improvement after the first 48 hours after the onset of the treatment, they may need to see the doctor again to ensure that they are not suffering from another form of illness or infection.

If your aging parent is suffering from strep throat, getting enough rest and complying with the medication and care guidelines set forth by the doctor is essential to helping your parent recover and get healthy again. This is also important to helping them avoid another infection or illness that could put their health at even more serious risk. An elder care provider can help your loved one accomplish this. Through dedicated, personalized care, monitoring of their condition during the first days of recovery, and medication reminders, this elderly home care services provider can ensure your parent gets the rest that they need and that they do the things that they need to do to resolve the infection and move forward more healthily.

If you are considering hiring home care in Lexington, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Mt. Gilead, Loudonville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Wooster, and the surrounding areas.

 

Source:  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/dxc-20165964

Stephen Sternbach

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