How to Kill the Strep Virus

Streptococcus pyogenes is a spherical, Gram-positive bacterium that causes scarlet fever and tonsillitis. Most sore throats are caused by a virus, and therefore can't rightly be called "strep throat." Strep throat is most common between the ages of 5 to 15. If left untreated, it can lead to a rash, rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation and even damaged heart valves. This is one reason that it is particularly important to differentiate from a viral infection. Symptoms to trigger a visit to a doctor are: a sore throat without cold symptoms, a fever over 101 degrees, a rash, and problems breathing.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor if a sore throat has the above listed symptoms. The doctor will check your glands and put you on antibiotics if they are tender or other symptoms indicate strep.

• 2

  See the doctor if the antibiotics don't provide some relief after two days. Don't expect it to be all better after two days, but some improvement should be noticeable.

• 3

  See the doctor if, a week after a strep infection, your urine turns cola-colored. This indicates kidney inflammation.