Recurrent Strep Throat: What to Do When Strep Comes Back

Strep throat is one of the most common bacterial infections in children. In fact, each year, strep throat affects nearly 300 million children aged 5 to 14. 

It spreads easily in classrooms, daycare centers, and playgrounds. While antibiotics typically clear up the infection, some children experience repeated bouts of strep, leaving parents wondering why it keeps coming back and how to stop the cycle.

Mederi Urgent Care specializes in fast, accurate diagnosis and strep throat treatment. We strive to ensure your child gets the care they need when symptoms strike. Serving Los Angeles, California, our clinic provides on-site rapid strep tests, lab cultures, and targeted treatments to help break the pattern of recurrent infections. 

If strep throat keeps returning in your household, here’s what you need to know.

Why does strep throat keep coming back?

Most strep infections clear up with an entire course of antibiotics, but in some cases, the infection keeps reappearing. Several factors can contribute to recurrent strep throat, including:

Stopping antibiotics too soon

It’s common for children to feel better after just a few days of antibiotics, but ending treatment early can allow lingering bacteria to survive and multiply. When you stop medication before the entire course is finished, your child is at an increased risk of relapse, which may seem like a new infection but is actually one that never fully cleared.

Weakened immune system

Some children are naturally more prone to recurrent infections due to a weaker immune response that allows bacteria to thrive. Conditions like chronic sinus infections, enlarged tonsils, or allergies can create an environment where strep bacteria hide and regrow, making reinfection more likely.

Repeated exposure to strep bacteria

Many children spend much of their day in close quarters with others—whether in school, on the playground, or at home with siblings. This constant exposure increases the likelihood of reinfection. 

If a family member or classmate carries the bacteria without showing symptoms, your child may unknowingly get reinfected even after completing antibiotics.

What to do when strep returns

If your child’s strep symptoms return shortly after finishing antibiotics, it’s time to schedule an evaluation at Mederi Urgent Care. Early treatment helps prevent complications and stops the infection from spreading to others.

Rapid testing and targeted treatment

Mederi Urgent Care offers on-site rapid strep tests to confirm an infection within minutes. If needed, we also conduct throat cultures for more detailed results. Depending on your child’s history, we may prescribe a different antibiotic if the previous one wasn’t entirely effective.

Encourage full recovery at home

While antibiotics are the primary treatment, home care is equally important. Make sure your child:

• Stays hydrated
• Finishes all prescribed medication
• Avoids school while contagious
• Rests to help support immunity
• Uses a new toothbrush 

These small but essential steps can help eliminate the infection and lower the risk of another recurrence.

Preventing future infections

Reducing the risk of recurrent strep involves good hygiene and awareness of exposure risks. Help your child:

• Wash hands regularly 
• Use hand sanitizer 
• Avoid sharing drinks or utensils
• Cough or sneeze into their elbow 

By reinforcing these habits at home and school, you can reduce the chances of repeated infections and help keep your family healthier.

Get fast, effective care at Mederi Urgent Care

If strep throat keeps coming back, it’s time to take action. At Mederi Urgent Care in Los Angeles, we provide same-day sick visits, rapid testing, and expert treatment to help your child recover quickly and stay healthy. 

Walk in today or schedule an appointment online for comprehensive, compassionate care.