Strep throat is a common bacterial infection affecting the throat and tonsils, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus or GAS). Individuals often experience a sudden sore throat and fever. While uncomfortable, it is highly treatable.
Understanding Strep Throat and Its Treatment
Diagnosing strep throat typically involves a rapid strep test, which can detect the bacteria quickly from a throat swab. If the rapid test is negative but strep is suspected, a throat culture may be performed, with results available in one to two days. Once diagnosed, antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, are the standard treatment.
It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics, usually around 10 days, even if symptoms improve earlier. This prevents complications like rheumatic fever, reduces infection spread, and ensures bacteria are fully eradicated.
Why Strep May Seem to Return
Strep throat can appear to return after a period, sometimes even after two weeks, due to several distinct reasons. One common cause is an incomplete antibiotic course. If the full regimen of medication is not finished, some bacteria may survive, leading to a true recurrence of the infection.
Another possibility is reinfection, where an individual contracts a new strep infection from a different source. This can happen through close contact with someone who has an active strep infection or from a carrier who harbors the bacteria without showing symptoms. Spread often occurs in settings like schools or households.
Sometimes, symptoms resembling strep throat may be caused by a different illness, such as a viral infection like the common cold or flu. Viral infections often present with similar symptoms but do not respond to antibiotics. A key difference is that strep throat typically does not cause a cough or runny nose, which are common with viral illnesses.
Some individuals can also be asymptomatic carriers of the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. These people carry the bacteria in their throat without experiencing symptoms themselves, yet they can still potentially spread the bacteria to others. While carriers are generally less contagious than those with active infections, they can be a source of new infections.
Symptoms of Recurrence and Next Steps
If strep throat symptoms reappear, they will be similar to the initial infection. These include a sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, small red spots on the roof of the mouth, or swollen tonsils. Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck are also common.
Should these symptoms return, especially after completing antibiotic treatment, consult a doctor. They can perform another rapid strep test or throat culture. Proper diagnosis and management are essential.
Preventing Future Infections
Adopting good hygiene practices can help reduce the risk of future strep throat infections. Frequent handwashing with soap and water is important, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating. If soap and water are unavailable, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used.
Avoiding the sharing of eating utensils, cups, and food is recommended to prevent bacterial spread. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow helps contain respiratory droplets. Replacing toothbrushes after a strep infection may also be considered to prevent reinfection.