What should you know about repeated strep throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection affecting the throat. It commonly presents with a sore throat, fever, painful swallowing and swollen glands, while cough and runny nose may point towards another cause. A new sore throat is not automatically another strep infection. A clinician may use your symptoms, examination and a throat test to guide the diagnosis. Repeated illness can also reflect separate infections or inflammation such as tonsillitis.

Book a GP consultation if infections keep returning. Record the date of each illness, fever, throat findings, test results, prescribed medicines and how quickly symptoms improved. If antibiotic treatment is prescribed, take it exactly as directed and do not share doses or save them for later. Wash hands, avoid sharing cups and utensils during illness, and replace a toothbrush when your clinician advises. Ask whether further evaluation is needed if episodes disrupt eating, sleep or daily activities.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow fluids, drooling, a muffled voice, severe one-sided throat pain, difficulty opening the mouth, neck swelling or marked weakness. These signs can indicate a complication around the tonsil or another urgent throat problem. Seek prompt medical advice for persistent fever, dehydration or symptoms that worsen despite treatment.

Ask how each episode will be confirmed, whether a throat test is appropriate, how to take the prescribed antibiotic, whether household spread is a concern, and when an ear, nose and throat referral should be considered.