A nurse is providing health instructions for a patient who is being treated for streptococcal...

Treatment and Contagious Period:

Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat) is highly contagious, and patients need to follow specific guidelines to prevent spreading the infection.

Health Instructions:

Full course of therapy:Ensures complete eradication of the bacteria and reduces the risk of complications.

Replace toothbrush:Prevents reinfection from bacteria that may remain on the old toothbrush.

Avoid sharing food:Prevents transmission of the infection to others.

Returning to work:Patients should wait until they are no longer contagious, usually 24 hours after starting antibiotic therapy and being fever-free, before returning to work.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on Strep Throat

Mayo Clinic guidelines on Streptococcal Pharyngitis