Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils. While antibiotics typically clear the infection within 10 days, some people experience recurring symptoms, leaving them wondering if strep throat can come back. The answer is yes, and it can happen for several reasons. In this blog, we’ll explore why strep can return and how to prevent reinfection so you can stay healthy all year long.
For same-day strep throat treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer. Our team is available 7 days a week to provide the highest quality of care. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance by pre-registering below!
Why Do Strep Throat Symptoms Come Back?
There are several possible reasons why strep throat symptoms might return after treatment, including:
1. Reinfection: If someone in your household or community has strep throat, you can catch it again, even after completing antibiotics. Strep bacteria spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, and shared surfaces.
2. Incomplete Treatment: Not finishing your full course of antibiotics can allow some bacteria to thrive, leading to a rebound infection. Even if you feel better after a few days, stopping antibiotics too soon increases the risk of recurrence.
3. Chronic Carrier: Some people carry strep bacteria in their throat without showing symptoms but may still spread it to others. Carriers can sometimes develop strep throat again if their immune system weakens.
How To Prevent Recurring Strep Throat
If you keep getting strep throat, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of reinfection. Even if symptoms improve quickly, finish all prescribed antibiotics to ensure the bacteria is fully eliminated. If symptoms return soon after treatment, consult your provider about trying a different antibiotic. Additionally, be sure to wash your hands frequently and disinfect surfaces to prevent the spread of bacteria. Replace toothbrushes and personal items. A strong immune system helps fight infections. Focus on getting plenty of sleep, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress.
When To Seek Medical Attention
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience:
- Strep throat symptoms returning within a few weeks of treatment
- Three or more strep infections in a year, which may indicate a chronic issue
- Severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, or swollen lymph nodes that worsen over time
- Signs of complications
If recurring infections become a major issue, a specialist may evaluate whether a tonsillectomy is necessary, especially in children with frequent strep throat.
Get Walk-In Strep Throat Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer
Yes, strep throat symptoms can come back, and it’s often due to reinfection, incomplete treatment, antibiotic resistance, or a chronic carrier state. To prevent recurring infection, finish all antibiotics, practice good hygiene, and monitor for household carriers. If strep keeps returning, a medical provider can recommend further testing or alternative treatments. If you experience strep throat infections, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer. Our medical team is here for evaluation and personalized treatment to break the cycle of reinfection. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week and appointments are not required. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about strep throat treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (303) 733-4000.
