Ask your health care provider if you can take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to control your fever. Anyone under age 21 with a fever should not take aspirin because it increases the risk of Reye's syndrome. The following suggestions may help prevent strep throat. Avoid close contact with other people until you have been taking the antibiotic for 24 to 48 hours so they will not be exposed to the streptococcal bacteria. Use tissues when you cough or sneeze.
Hand washing is the best method of prevention.
Wash your hands before you touch food, dishes, glasses, silverware, or napkins. Wash your hands after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose. Be careful not to let your nose or mouth touch public telephones or drinking fountains. Use paper cups and paper towels in bathrooms instead of shared drinking cups and hand towels. Don't share food and eating utensils with others.