Recurrent Strep Throat: What to Do When Strep Comes Back

Strep throat infections are extremely common among kids. In fact, recent data indicate that worldwide, nearly 300 million of these infections occur among kids ages 5–14 every year. What’s more, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the rate of infection has been rising in the United States.

Antibiotic therapy plays a key role in treating and eliminating strep infections, but for some kids, infections can return. At Child & Adolescent Health Center in Lathrup Village, Michigan, Fiona Carroll, MD, and her team offer on-site lab testing and targeted therapy for children with recurrent strep throat, eradicating the underlying infection while providing symptom relief. 

If your child gets repeated strep throat infections, here’s what you need to know about the possible causes and what we can do to help.

The ABCs of strep throat

Also called streptococcal pharyngitis, strep throat is an infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria or group A streptococcus. These bacteria colonize the throat and tonsil area, causing severe sore throat that’s often accompanied by swelling, fever, and pain when swallowing.

Strep throat spreads easily from one person to another through airborne droplets emitted when sneezing, coughing, or even speaking. You can also pick up strep germs by touching a contaminated surface.

While strep throat can affect anyone of any age, it’s very common among kids who tend to be in close contact with others in school, daycare, or extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. Strep throat infections are usually easily treatable with antibiotics — but early detection is important for preventing complications such as ear and sinus infections and other problems.

Recurrent strep throat: Why it happens

While most infections clear up after a complete course of antibiotics, some kids suffer from repeated or recurrent infections. 

Failing to take all of your medicine

One common reason for recurrence is not completing the initial treatment. Bacterial infections like strep throat usually respond very well to antibiotics. In fact, many people feel better even before they finish their prescribed dose.

Even though your child may feel well, however, some bacteria can still be present. If your child stops taking the antibiotics, those remaining bacteria can grow and multiply, resulting in an ongoing infection. Although you might think it’s a brand new infection, it’s a continuation of your child’s original infection that was never completely cured.

Underlying conditions

Some children are more prone to infections because they have a weakened immune system that makes reinfection more likely or makes it harder to treat the initial infection. Still others have structural issues, like enlarged tonsils or sinus problems, that make it easier for bacteria to hide and multiply.

Re-exposure

Kids are routinely exposed to bacteria in school, during play, and in other day-to-day situations and environments, making it easier to become reinfected. Many children don’t wash their hands regularly, or they may cough or sneeze in their hands or into the air, increasing the risk of spreading the infection to others.

What to do when strep throat returns

If you notice symptoms of strep throat returning, your first step should be to call our office so we can schedule a sick visit and evaluate your child. Depending on their needs, Dr. Carroll may prescribe the same antibiotic or a different antibiotic that might be more effective.

During your child’s visit, Dr. Carroll performs a throat culture, using a long swab to obtain a sample of fluids from your child’s throat. The fluid gets cultured in a lab and evaluated for the specific type of bacteria that’s causing the infection.

Be sure your child takes the antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Because strep throat is highly contagious, your child should stay home from school and other activities until they’re no longer infectious.

In addition to medication, you can help your child learn skills to prevent strep throat and other infections in the future. Teach them to sneeze or cough into a tissue or into their elbow — not their hands — if a tissue isn’t available. Make sure they know to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating. Make hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes available in their backpack if the school allows it.

Help your child stay healthy

If you suspect that your child has a strep infection, don’t wait to schedule a sick visit to get a diagnosis and start treatment. Request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Carroll and the team at Child & Adolescent Health Center today.