Strep throat is a common bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. This infection primarily affects the throat and tonsils. Many people wonder if it is possible to experience strep throat multiple times, even within a single year.
Understanding Strep Throat
This highly contagious bacterium spreads easily from person to person. It transmits through respiratory droplets released when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can also acquire the bacteria by touching surfaces contaminated with these droplets and then touching your nose or mouth.
Common symptoms include a sudden sore throat, often with rapid onset, and a fever that may be highest on the second day. Other signs can include chills, headache, and sometimes white patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils. Unlike viral infections, strep throat usually does not present with a cough or runny nose.
The Likelihood of Recurrence
It is possible to get strep throat multiple times, even within the same year. This can happen for several reasons, including exposure to different bacterial strains, incomplete treatment, or re-exposure to the bacteria.
There are many different types, or serotypes, of Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. An infection with one strain does not provide immunity against other strains, meaning you can get infected again by a different type. Incomplete treatment is another factor; if the full course of antibiotics is not completed, some bacteria may survive and multiply again, leading to a rebound infection.
Re-exposure to the bacteria from others is also a common cause of recurrence. Strep throat spreads easily in environments with close contact, such as schools, daycare centers, and households. Someone in close contact, like a family member, could be a “strep carrier,” meaning they harbor the bacteria without showing symptoms but can still spread it. This continuous exposure can lead to repeated infections.
Recognizing and Treating Repeat Infections
Symptoms of a repeat strep throat infection are similar to the initial infection. These can include a severe sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, red or swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches), swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and small red spots on the roof of the mouth. If you suspect strep throat, especially if symptoms are sudden and severe, seek medical attention.
A healthcare professional can confirm a strep throat diagnosis through a rapid strep test or a throat culture. The rapid antigen test detects the bacteria within minutes from a throat swab. If the rapid test is negative but strep is still suspected, a throat culture may be performed, with results available in a couple of days. Accurate diagnosis is important because strep throat requires antibiotic treatment, unlike viral sore throats.
Antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, are prescribed to treat strep throat. Taking antibiotics within 48 hours of symptom onset can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, and lower the risk of complications. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms disappear quickly. Not finishing the medication can lead to the infection returning or to more serious health problems. Untreated strep throat can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart, or kidney inflammation.
Reducing Your Risk of Strep Throat
Practicing good hygiene reduces the risk of strep throat, both for initial infections and recurrences. Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is effective. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used.
Avoid sharing personal items like eating utensils, drinking glasses, and toothbrushes to prevent bacterial spread. If someone in the household has strep throat, replace toothbrushes after a few days of antibiotic treatment to prevent reinfection. Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing helps contain respiratory droplets. Staying home from school or work when symptoms are present and until at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics can prevent further transmission.