Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. The infection is caused by the group A Streptococcus bacteria and is easily spread from person to person. One of the questions that people ask is whether strep throat can come and go. In this blog, we’ll explore the answer to this question and discuss treatment options available to help you recover quickly.
For same-day strep throat treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale. Our team of medical providers specialize in treating a wide range of general illnesses– from influenza to strep to COVID-19. Just walk in today!
Common Strep Throat Signs and Symptoms
Once you are infected with the bacteria that causes strep, it can take a few days for symptoms to appear. The symptoms can vary from person to person depending on the severity of infection. Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads through contact with infected fluids.
Common strep throat symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Swollen lymph nodes
- White spots on the tonsils
- Rash
Can Strep Throat Symptoms Be On and Off?
Strep throat can come and go, but it’s not a very common occurrence. If you receive appropriate treatment, which typically involves antibiotics, you can expect to start feeling better within a few days. However, it’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better. This ensures the bacteria is fully cleared from your body and the infection won’t “come back.” If you don’t receive proper treatment, or don’t complete the full course of medication, strep throat symptoms can linger or even return after they initially subside. This is because the bacteria may still be present in your system.
Another factor that can contribute to strep throat coming and going is reinfection. Strep throat is highly contagious and can spread through contact with saliva or mucus. If you’re in close contact with someone who has strep throat, you’re at risk of reinfection. In some cases, the infection can recur several times– leading to chronic strep throat.
Getting Professional Treatment
If you’ve had strep throat in the past, you may be more susceptible to reinfection. This may be due to your immune system not producing enough antibodies to fully protect you from the bacteria. Additionally, if you have a weakened immune system or underlying medical conditions, you are also more vulnerable to recurring strep throat. In whatever case, it’s important to seek the proper medical care to better understand the cause of your symptoms and condition. A healthcare provider can discuss your health history with you and assess your overall condition through a physical exam to understand what’s causing your strep throat and other symptoms. In some cases, your strep throat may have developed into a chronic infection, or you could be dealing with something more severe.
For same-day strep throat diagnosis and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale. Open seven days a week, the clinic is a great resource for those who need quick care. Our medical team treats patients of all ages and accepts most major health insurances. With the right medication and lifestyle changes, you can expect to fully recover from strep throat. If you have any additional questions, please contact our office directly at (201) 523-9222.
