Are some people more prone to strep throat than others?!


Question: I just want to thank the people who have been answering my relentless questions about my sore and swollen tonsils. I've had the flu and my tonsils were just so horribly sore. Woke up today and they feel 50% better. Not completely there, but making progress. I was so scared it was Strep, but wasn't sure because I have never had it before.

So, my question is..are certain people more prone to Strep throat than others? My one friend gets it about 4 times a year but I've never had it before. Any thoughts?


Answers: I just want to thank the people who have been answering my relentless questions about my sore and swollen tonsils. I've had the flu and my tonsils were just so horribly sore. Woke up today and they feel 50% better. Not completely there, but making progress. I was so scared it was Strep, but wasn't sure because I have never had it before.

So, my question is..are certain people more prone to Strep throat than others? My one friend gets it about 4 times a year but I've never had it before. Any thoughts?

It depends. Some people are more prone to different infections like urinary tract infections, colds, flu, pneumonia, etc. Your immune system could be a little weaker than someone else if your overall health is not as it should be.
Some factors that weaken your immune system is having other health problems like anemia, poor diet, hiv, or just not being as hygenic as you should be. Its important to pay attention to washing your hands especially in winter when we are huddled so much closer together with people than when its warmer. We pick up alot of germs from doorknobs, sink faucets, and sharing computers and phones. We tend to take handwashing for granted but it can be a big factor when it comes to how many colds or throat infections you can get every year. I learned this when I became a nurse and I take extra care when it comes to washing my hands between patients as well as when I'm home. I have only had a cold once in the past 1 1/2 years and havent had the flu for the past 12 years. Yes you will still come down with some infections but you cut down the chances alot if you are careful to wash your hands- and i dont mean like someone with OCD. LOL
I hope you take this advice because it does work. I havent brought home anything to my family since becoming a nurse.
Take care!

Edit: Some of the responders say that having their tonsils removed helped to stop the throat infections and that may be one answer but also keep this in mind...As a child I also had alot of throat infections and a few cases of strep throat and my mom had to take me to the ER on several occasions. Im now well over 21 and still have my tonsils to this day and havent had a throat infection for a very long time.

Yes, If you have strep often they used to recommend removing your tonsils. I don't know if it's still common practice today.

Yeah my sister used to get it allll the time when she was younger, some people just get it more then others...Ive also have had swollen tonsils and nasty looking throat for a few weeks now,,i went to the Dr and she did a strep test and its not strep its just a bacterial infection,,,she says the best thing to do besides medicine is to gargle with salt water :( hope you feel better!

i had it alot when i had my tonsils but i had them removed because they were inlarged and it was effecting my breathing.I think so because since ive had mine out i havent had anything

If you get it often like your friend you should see an infection control doctor and talk about possibly getting your tonsils removed. The down side to that is that your tonsils prevent bacteria from entering your body through the mouth.

I've also heard that drinking milk before going to sleep (and not brushing your teeth afterwards) can cause strep throat.

I think some people are more prone than others. I'm 33, and never had it in my life (knock on wood) My wife has had it at least 10 times since we've been married (11 years) And when I was in college, I roomed with the same guy all four years, and he had it at least six times. I think I might be immune, because I've had plenty of chances to catch it.





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