A Sore Throat, Dangerous?

A Sore Throat, Dangerous? Who would've thought?  It's true. I was out of work yesterday sick. Over the weekend, I went out with friends, came home and took a nap. I noticed I had the chills all day and felt very tired. As someone from a cold climate who wakes every weekday morning at 4am, I just figured my body was trying to catch up. But when I awoke after an hour it felt like I was swallowing tin foil. I felt fine though, no symptoms of a cold, no sinus issues. Trying to swallow was torture and my throat felt as if it was closing up. I reached for a flashlight and ran to the mirror. I wasn't sure what I was looking for, anything abnormal I guess. It was blotchy with deep red spots and white patches.

I forced myself to drink some water and jumped in the shower, maybe my mouth was open while sleeping, maybe it's just a fluke? Deep inside, I knew something wasn't right. I could feel myself wincing with every swallow of what felt like sandpaper.

I then made a decision that was the smartest thing i've done in a long time. I HATE the Doctor's office, I dread it but decided I needed to go. I am so glad I did.

That sore throat ended up being a mean case of Strep Throat. I never thought it could be dangerous until the Dr. informed me that waiting and not coming in can eventually kill you! Did you know this? It's so easy to dismiss it as the beginning of a cold but important to remember that no other symptoms usually accompany it 'til you wait too long. That can lead to Rheumatic or Scarlet fever, Staph, skin and soft tissue infection. And if it enters the bloodstream, it can kill you.

Here's a list of symptoms and what to look for in order to keep your family safe.

• Severe and sudden sore throat without coughing, sneezing, or other cold symptoms.
• Pain or difficulty with swallowing.
• Fever over 101F. Lower fevers may point to something viral and not strep.
• Swollen lymph Nodes in the neck.
• White or yellow spots or coating on the throat and tonsils.
• Bright red throat or dark red spots on the roof of the mouth at the back near the throat.
• Swollen tonsils, although this symptom may also be caused by a viral infection.

After three doses of my antibiotic I am feeling a significant improvement. The test is simple, it took five mins at the Dr.'s office. Don't wait, it could be the difference between life and death and something to keep in mind if you have a family.