Can you get strep throat without having tonsils

This can happen if the bacteria spread to other parts of the body. Complications can include:. People can get strep throat more than once. Having strep throat does not protect someone from getting it again in the future. While there is no vaccine to prevent strep throat, there are things people can do to protect themselves and others.

The best way to keep from getting or spreading group A strep is to wash your hands often. This is especially important after coughing or sneezing and before preparing foods or eating. To practice good hygiene, you should:. You should also wash glasses, utensils, and plates after someone who is sick uses them. These items are safe for others to use once washed.

Take the prescription exactly as the doctor says to. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. On This Page. The most common symptoms of strep throat include: Sore throat that can start very quickly Pain when swallowing Fever Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus Tiny, red spots petechiae — pronounced pi-TEE-kee-eye on the roof of the mouth the soft or hard palate Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck Other symptoms may include a headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting — especially in children.

The following symptoms suggest a virus is the cause of the illness instead of strep throat: Cough Runny nose Hoarseness changes in your voice that makes it sound breathy, raspy, or strained Conjunctivitis also called pink eye It usually takes two to five days for someone exposed to group A strep to become ill. Children and Certain Adults Are at Increased Risk Anyone can get strep throat, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of getting this common infection.

Adults who are at increased risk for strep throat include: Parents of school-aged children Adults who are often in contact with children Close contact with another person with strep throat is the most common risk factor for illness. A review published in the Cochrane Database involving children found that a tonsillectomy prevented an average of just one less sore throat a year, compared to those who didn't have their tonsils removed.

The same review concluded that adults should also typically forego a tonsillectomy for tonsillitis, because its minimal benefits in easing sore throat symptoms do not outweigh the pain of the procedure — which is especially uncomfortable in adults. The pros and cons of tonsillectomy vary depending on a patient's needs. Like every surgery, Darzynkiewicz says a tonsillectomy carries a risk of bleeding, pain, secondary infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Therefore, it should be a last resort procedure when it comes to recurring tonsillitis. A tonsillectomy may be suggested as treatment for a child who has what are defined as " frequent " throat infections. Those who have more than seven strep throat infections in the span of one year or more than five over the span of two years, would fall into the "frequent" category. When someone has strep throat, the bacteria responsible lives in their nose and throat, whether or not they have tonsils.

Strep is spread through infected droplets in the air, from talking or sneezing, or through saliva left on surfaces like a handrail.

That makes it possible to catch strep without coming into direct contact with an infected person. Touching a shared surface, such as a doorknob or table, and then touching your mouth or eyes is all it takes for transmission to occur, Darzynkiewicz says. Sharing drinks and personal items can also spread strep.

Children are more likely to engage in these behaviors, which is part of the reason why school-aged children and their teachers get infected at higher rates than the rest of the population. To prevent infection, be sure to disinfect surfaces and wash your hands properly. For more information, read about how to kill germs and reduce your risk of illness.

Even if you have had your tonsils removed, you can still experience symptoms of strep throat. According to the Mayo Clinic , these symptoms can include:. How long does strep throat typically last? What does strep rash look like? What does strep throat look like? Is strep throat more common in kids than adults?

How do you get strep? What Is Emotional Intelligence? Some people may get more relief from cooling the area, in which case, they can try sucking on ice cubes or popsicles to help numb the throat.

Medicated throat lozenges may be more effective in reducing pain symptoms in some people. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers, such as ibuprofen Advil and acetaminophen Tylenol , may help manage pain as well. While some people who undergo tonsil removal may notice less frequent or less severe strep throat infections, it is still possible to get a strep throat without tonsils.

Basic hygiene practices may help reduce the spread of the infection, and the person should see a doctor for a diagnosis and antibiotic treatment. Tonsillitis and strep throat share many symptoms and can sometimes occur due to the same bacteria. Learn about some of the differences here. Most sore throats are treatable at home. This article looks at 15 home remedies that might soothe a sore throat, plus the science behind them.

Strep throat is caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium. Streptococcal bacteria are extremely contagious and can spread through airborne…. A sore throat is a common effect of a viral or bacterial infection. Acid, chemical irritation, and acid reflux can also cause it. Treatment depends on….

A sore throat can make it difficult to eat and drink. Which foods can give the body the nutrients it needs for healing without worsening the….