My little cousin has strep throat and my uncle probbaly has it too. We went to the pediatrician and she was positive. He said that it is very contagious. She was coughing all over my face and I was carrying her and then she threw up and I was with her...etc... I was with her 2 days. I have been feeling a stratchy throat and 2 yrs ago I had strep throat .... I didn't get any symptoms before...only fever. The pediatrician gave antibiotics for strep trhoat but Im not sure if I have it. I am scared that it will become resistant...what should I do? I already took 3!!!! advice please ...any doc??? thank you
2007-03-17 14:09:30 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
the doc gave me the meds just in case
2007-03-17 14:17:12 · update #1
Just take the medicine. It's highly unlikely that the bacteria will be so strong to resist it in the first place because it takes a very virulent strain of the bacteria to become resistant to the antiobiotic (even if one contains a gene for the antiobiotic resistance it will take a relatively long time for that gene to replicate enough times to make the entire strain resistant ). I'm guessing you'll only be taking it for a week or 10 days and most bacteria don't become resistant that quickly. Plus, strep throat can cause serious problems. It can cause your immune system to work against you and that causes organ damage. I had strep throat all the time when I was younger and I had to have a kidney transplant by the time I was 17 (the only plausible reason they could think of was a recurrent strep infection). I've been on the same antibiotic for 18 months and I haven't become resistant to it, so just do what the doctor says unless you start having very serious side effects/reactions.
2007-03-17 14:21:26 · answer #1 · answered by hmasson28 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I certainly do not believe a person should take antibiotics 'just in case' they might get an infection. However, you're saying you have a scratchy throat, which may mean you have strep. You took 3 tablets; now that you started the prescription, you should probably finish it. I'm surprised the pediatrician gave you antibiotics without doing a strep test.
A problem that some people have is that they start antibiotics, then as soon as they feel better, they stop taking them. Often the bacteria is not gone, but that small bit of antibiotic may cause the bacteria that is present to mutate and become resistant. So, if you're going to take an antibiotic, take it all to be sure the bacteria is gone.
Your first inclination was probably right, though. If you had no symptoms, you probably didn't need the antibiotic.
2007-03-17 21:19:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you already took 3, then you should definitely continue taking the rest of the pills. Bacteria are more likely to become resistant under certain conditions...like not taking the complete course of antibiotics! I hope the antibiotics prevent you from getting a more severe case of strep throat, and I hope everybody feels better soon.
2007-03-18 02:40:50 · answer #3 · answered by vegan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a very very important question. Basically, If the Doc gives you a script, you MUST start immediately and stop when its empty. Any deviation may cause a recurrence, and you don't want that. Also, never take someone else's meds, no matter what it is. This is a common talk that i have with my patients, If you have Any medical questions, call your doctor and dont guess. Remember, Docs have a medical degree for a reason. ;)
2007-03-17 21:25:45 · answer #4 · answered by Hot Rod Lincoln 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, go see your Doctor to see if you really have strep throat, or just a sore throat. You are wise not to use antibiotics if you don't need them. Meanwhile, in a glass of warm water (not hot water) put a teaspoon of salt, and a tablespoon of peroxide and gargle every hour. This is only while you are waiting to see your Doctor. OK? Good luck
2007-03-17 21:22:43 · answer #5 · answered by Alfie333 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have not been tested for strep throat do not take medicine that was not prescribed for you. Strep throat causes a severe sore throat as you know but unless you have tested positive for it do not take meds you shouldn't.
2007-03-17 21:16:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Starting and not completing the course of meds is what leads to the resistance. You need to be tested.
2007-03-17 21:16:32 · answer #7 · answered by J W 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take the meds honey, they would not prescribe them if you didn't need them
2007-03-17 21:15:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
my mums a dr.
if they arent ur pills dont take them
seriously if u get it then take them but till a dr gives them to u
dont take them
but if the dr. gave them to u, take them!!!!!!!!!
2007-03-17 21:17:00 · answer #9 · answered by tigressstarcub 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋