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Question: When should I seek treatment for possible strep throat?
Answer:You should get a strep test and any necessary treatment if your symptoms are severe, persist for more than a few days or if there are signs of complications, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing.
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Question: Can I get strep throat multiple times?
Answer:Yes, individuals can get strep throat more than once. There are multiple strains of the Streptococcus bacteria, and past infection does not create immunity.
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Question: Are there complications from not treating strep throat?
Answer:Untreated strep throat can lead to other conditions like rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation and the spread of the infection to other parts of the body. It’s important to seek treatment if you think you may have strep throat.
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Question: Is strep throat contagious?
Answer:Strep throat is highly contagious, and infected people should take precautions like frequent hand-washing and avoiding close contact with others to prevent spreading the illness.
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Question: How long does it take for antibiotics to work for strep throat?
Answer:Antibiotics for strep throat typically show improvement within 24 to 48 hours, and it's crucial to complete the full course of medication as prescribed by a health care provider.
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Question: How is strep throat diagnosed?
Answer:Strep throat is typically diagnosed through a rapid strep test or a throat culture, where a sample is collected from the throat to identify the presence of Streptococcus bacteria.
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Question: What happens during a school physical exam?
Answer:A school physical exam, also known as a school health check or physical assessment, is a general examination of a student's overall health and well-being. This exam aims to ensure that students are healthy and fit for academic and physical activities.
Here's what typically happens during a school physical exam:
- Vital signs: We’ll measure basic vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature
Continue Reading- Height and weight: The student's height and weight will be measured to track growth and development
- Vision screening: A basic vision test may be conducted to identify potential vision problems
- Hearing check: A simple hearing test may be performed to check for any hearing impairments
- Musculoskeletal examination: We’ll conduct a basic exam of the musculoskeletal system to check for any signs of deformities, abnormalities or limitations in movement
- General physical exam: We’ll check the skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat and abdomen to assess overall health
- Medical history: We inquire about the student's medical history, including any chronic conditions, allergies, medications or previous surgeries
- Immunizations: We may review the student's immunization records to ensure current vaccination status
- Education: We may take the opportunity to talk about topics like nutrition, exercise, sleep and hygiene
- Required forms: We complete necessary forms for enrollment, sports or other school-related activities
It's important to note that the specific components of a school physical exam can vary based on local regulations and school policies. School physicals are generally recommended to identify health concerns that may affect a student's ability to participate fully in school activities and to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment.
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Question: How long does a school physical exam take?
Answer:The duration of a school physical exam can vary depending on several factors, including the thoroughness of the examination, the complexity of the student’s medical history and any additional tests or screenings that may be needed. On average, a school physical exam typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
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Question: How much does a school physical exam cost?
Answer:The cost of a school physical exam can vary widely depending on several factors, including:
- Location: The cost of physical exams can vary significantly from one region to another
Continue Reading- Insurance: If you have health insurance, your plan may cover some or all of the cost of a routine school physical as preventive care
- Additional tests: If your provider orders additional tests during the physical exam, such as blood work or imaging, these can add to the overall cost
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Question: What are the benefits of getting a school physical exam?
Answer:A school physical exam offers several health benefits, including:
- Early detection of potential health issues, often before symptoms become severe, allows for more effective treatment and better outcomes
Continue Reading- Receiving preventive care like vaccinations and screenings to reduce the risk of illness
- Establishing a health baseline helps providers monitor changes over time and manage chronic conditions effectively
- Opportunities for health education, fostering better lifestyle choices and stress management
When you talk about your health concerns and lifestyle with your health care provider, you can personalize the exam to address your unique needs and actively participate in your health.