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Tonsillitis/Sore Throat Prevention Tonsillitis is when the tonsils become inflamed by a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms can include fever, headache, chills, bad breath, swollen neck, difficulty swallowing, and sore throat. A sore throat, on the other hand, is usually described as a common physical symptom of throat inflammation or acute pharyngitis. Sore throats can exist in various situations with pain ranging from mild to extreme. Since both physical conditions can be linked to one another, it should not come off as a surprise that they share the following prevention methods: Strengthening the Immune System
• Drink enough fluids to keep the body hydrated • Eat a healthy diet with nutrients like vitamin C and zinc • Make sure to get plenty of rest • Keep vaccinations up to date – influenza, chicken pox, Hepatitis B, meningitis… • Do not smoke or use other tobacco products; if it is a habit, get assistance in breaking addiction Hygienic Habits • Wash your hands often and thoroughly, especially after using the restroom, before eating, after sneezing or coughing, and when around sick people • Cough/sneeze into a tissue and immediately dispose; if necessary, cough/sneeze into your elbow and keep hands away from eyes and face • If soap and warm water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer • Avoid direct contact with public phones and water fountains; use a handkerchief when possible • Regularly clean phones, remote controls, computer keyboards, and other surfaces with disinfectant • Avoid close contact with people who have strep throat or other upper respiratory infections; avoid public and/or crowded areas during cold and flu season • Do not share food, eating, or drinking utensils; conditions like mononucleosis is spread when saliva from an infected person enters another person’s mouth Other Prevention Methods • Recognize and steer clear of environmental factors, like air pollution and fumes, that irritate the throat • Avoid becoming exposed to secondhand smoke • Try to avoid shouting or other activities that put stress on the vocal cords • Wear a filtering mask when cleaning to prevent breathing in dust or other airborne particles • Use a humidifier if the air in your home is dry • People with frequent sore throats should replace their toothbrush every month; also make sure to throw away old toothbrush after recovery to prevent re-infection While these practices can help prevent sore throats and tonsillitis, tonsillitis is a condition specifically caused by a wide variety of infectious viruses and/or bacteria. Therefore, the following are some additional ways to keep from contracting tonsillitis: • Avoid prolonged contact with people who have strep throat or tonsillitis until 24 hours after antibiotics have started • Use baking soda toothpaste for brushing teeth and apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash • Hydrogen peroxide can also be gargled but must never be ingested; not recommended for children Even though there is no guaranteed way to stop one from getting tonsillitis or a sore throat, the prevention methods listed can greatly help lower the chances. |
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