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The Southington Citizen — Friday, November 16, 2012
Photo gallery
health notes: Strep Throat by Alina Osnaga, MD I have a sore throat – does that mean I have strep throat? No. Not all sore throats are strep infections. Strep throat is a bacterial infection whereas many other sore throats are viral. How is strep throat transmitted? The strep bacteria can be passed from person to person during breathing, sneezing, and coughing. Tiny droplets carrying the bacteria are projected into the air and breathed in by others nearby. It may take 2 to 5 days before symptoms appear after being exposed.
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Alina Osnaga, MD MidState Medical Group Primary Care
98 Main St., Suite 103 Southington, CT
Symptoms of strep throat: • Moderate to severe sore throat • Swollen/tender lymph nodes and tonsils • Fever over 101° F • Painful swallowing
Photo courtesy of Steve Cieslewski
Paris in Plantsville Gallery and Studio held a reception featuring the works of photographer Jacquelyn Etling on Nov. 10. Etling’s photographic works will be on display through Nov. 30 at Paris in Plantsville, 15 West Main St.
• Red throat with yellow or white spots • Aching body • Feeling fatigued • No cough
How will the doctor determine if you have strep throat? Your doctor will assess your symptoms and may conduct a simple rapid strep test. This test includes a swab of the throat and tonsils to collect possible bacteria. Results will be available in several minutes. If the test is positive treatment will be prescribed. If the rapid strep test is negative your doctor might order a throat culture which may take 48 hours to get results. Treating strep throat Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat strep throat. Generally you are no longer contagious 24 hours after starting antibiotics. Ways to prevent strep throat: • Wash your hands frequently because strep bacteria can survive temporarily on surfaces such as faucets, light switches, and door knobs • Do not share utensils/ beverage cups/ containers • Change your toothbrush after a strep infection. Other preventive measures for strengthening your immune system and avoiding strep throat include getting adequate sleep, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables which have a high content of Vitamin C, engaging in regular exercise, decreasing your stress levels, and keeping yourself hydrated at all times. If you suspect you may have strep throat, Hartford Healthcare Primary Care Network is here to help! Contact us today for a visit.
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(877) 614-2378 www.hhcprimarycare.org Call or visit our website to find a practice near you.
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Doctors of Central Connecticut – Hartford Medical Group – MidState Medical Group Med-East – Senior Health Services
surroundings – envision the entire world as an iPad. Parts of the video focused on classrooms where lessons were taught on a large touch screen, rather than a dryerase board, and students had their own tablet to follow along with. “We’ve seen a lot of change in the last eight years,” Nichols said. “We can only imagine what we’ll
see eight years from now.” Riccio gave some projections on job outlook for 2020, saying jobs that require a master’s degree will grow 21.7 percent and the United States will create 14 million jobs over the next 10 years that will require at least a community college education. “We are trying to prepare kids for jobs that don’t exist yet and problems that don’t exist yet,” Riccio said.