Strep throat, a common bacterial infection, can recur. Caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, this illness primarily affects the throat and tonsils, leading to symptoms like a sore throat and fever. While typically treatable with antibiotics, understanding the reasons behind these recurrences can help in managing the condition more effectively.
Why Strep Can Seem to Return
One common reason strep throat might appear to return is incomplete treatment. Even if symptoms improve quickly after starting antibiotics, some bacteria can survive if the full course of medication is not completed. These lingering bacteria can then multiply, leading to recurrence. Finish the entire antibiotic prescription as directed, typically a 10-day course, to eliminate all bacteria.
Another frequent cause of apparent recurrence is reinfection. Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads easily through respiratory droplets from an infected person’s coughs or sneezes. This means a person can be successfully treated but then become re-exposed to the bacteria from family members, classmates, or coworkers who are currently infected. Crowded environments like schools and daycares are common settings for such transmission.
Asymptomatic carriers also play a role in the cycle of reinfection. Some individuals can carry the Group A Streptococcus bacteria in their throat without showing any symptoms themselves. While these carriers may not feel ill, they can still unknowingly spread the bacteria to others. If someone lives with or interacts with an asymptomatic carrier, they may repeatedly encounter the bacteria, leading to new infections.
Finally, what seems like recurring strep throat might sometimes be a different illness mimicking its symptoms. Various viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or mononucleosis, can cause sore throats, fever, and other symptoms similar to strep throat. If a strep test was not performed or yielded a false negative, a viral infection could be mistaken for strep. Unlike bacterial infections, viral sore throats often include symptoms like a cough or runny nose.
Steps to Prevent Recurrence
Adhering to the full antibiotic regimen prevents strep throat recurrence. Even if symptoms improve quickly, complete the entire 10-day course to eradicate the bacteria. Stopping antibiotics early allows remaining bacteria to potentially cause another infection.
Practicing good hygiene significantly reduces the risk of reinfection. Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or before eating, helps remove bacteria. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into the elbow, rather than hands, limits the spread of respiratory droplets. Avoiding sharing eating utensils, cups, and other personal items also prevents bacterial transmission.
Environmental cleaning is important, especially in households where someone has been infected. Group A Streptococcus bacteria can survive on surfaces for periods ranging from hours to months. Regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls helps eliminate lingering bacteria. Replacing toothbrushes after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment can also prevent reinfection from residual bacteria on the brush.
To break cycles of reinfection within a household, consider testing close contacts if they develop symptoms. While not all close contacts require preventive antibiotics, identifying and treating symptomatic family members can stop the bacteria from circulating. If strep throat symptoms return after treatment, or if reinfection is suspected, seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and guidance.