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question about strep throat risk
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themelaman posted:
My friend's daughter has been on antibiotics for a day for strep throat. Is my friend a carrier for strep throat, even if she is not showing symptoms? Can she pass it to me if we meet for coffee?
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Rod Moser, PA, PhD responded:
The only way to tell if your friend has Strep or is a Strep carrier is for her to have a throat culture. Kids, because of their less-hygenic ways and poorer immune system, tend to get Strep more easily. Adults can often get exposed without ever getting an infection, becuase our immune systems (and hygiene) are better.

Up to 20% of the population can be Strep carriers without showing any signs of illness...that is one in five people.

I "meet" people with Strep every day in a clinical setting. Kids will often cough directly in my face, but I have never contracted Strep, but that is me....not you. I have no idea how susceptible you are, so I really couldnt' answer your question specifically. Generally, having coffee with someone who is well....someone who has a daughter on antibitoics for Strep....is probably okay to socialize with you or anyone.
 
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themelaman replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Thank you. That was very helpful. I will beef up my own immune before meeting with her.
 
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Rod Moser, PA, PhD replied to themelaman's response:
How are you going to beef up your immune system?
 
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themelaman replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
I am always on a better multi-vitamin. When I think I might get sick, I boost with a product combination of immune enhancers (Echinacia, arabinogalactin, astragallis, etc. I cannot remember all the names - I get it all in one bottle.) It's worked for me since i started in 1999.
 
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themelaman replied to themelaman's response:
...and rest
 
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themelaman replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
and rest
 
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Rod Moser, PA, PhD replied to themelaman's response:
Okay...if these things have helped you in the past, then by all means, continue it.


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