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More parents seem to be making an effort in recent years to limit antibiotic exposure for their children. This is due to concerns about how this may impact long term health or contribute to increased susceptibility to deadly superbugs such as C-Diff. Treating strep throat without meds remains a glaring exception to this trend.
It seems that whenever a doctor diagnoses a child or even an adult with strep throat, there is no question that they require an immediate round of antibiotics. Even those who typically avoid meds and follow a more holistic lifestyle seem to fall into this trap.Â
Strep Throat Symptoms
There is no doubt that strep throat is a serious infection. It is a bacterial infection and involves severe inflammation of the throat and tonsils. Typical signs of strep throat include:
- Sudden, severe sore throat
- Fever higher than 101°F/ 38 °C
- Pain when swallowing
- Pale colored spots on the back of a bright red throat
Some people suffering from strep throat will also get swollen lymph glands in their neck. Others experience vomiting or a red skin rash.
How Long Does Strep Throat Last?
Strep throat will only last 3 to 7 days with or without treatment. Doctors usually treat strep throat with antibiotics even though they will not make you well any faster. Strep throat contagiousness will continue for 24 hours once antibiotics are started. With no treatment, strep throat continues to be contagious until symptoms resolve.
In response to the persistent overuse of antibiotics for strep throat, the journal Canadian Family Physician states:
… symptoms caused by a bacterial sore throat [strep] fail to clear much faster when treated with antibiotics than they would if left alone.
It is certainly easier and quicker to hand out prescriptions every time than to explain and reassure. Each time we do this, however, we reinforce patients’ fears.
Do family physicians have to declare a conflict of interest in answering these questions? If we were to lower ourselves to examining the vulgar subject of money, it is certainly in our financial interest to keep many patients scared enough to rush to our offices whenever they get sore throats.
In view of the large number of antibiotics prescribed for sore throats, perhaps it is time to review whether we should be using such treatment for strep throat infections at all.
Is Strep Throat Overmedicated?
Mmmm.
Sounds like the idea of not administering antibiotics for strep throat may not be as crazy as it first sounds. Are doctors overmedicating strep throat just like they overmedicate ear infections, colds and sinus/respiratory infections?
A round of antibiotics has the potential to cause permanent damage to the gut flora. This, in turn, has a lifelong impact on overall immunity to both chronic and acute illness. Skipping those antibiotic pills altogether may prove in the long run to be the smartest approach of all.
Do You Have to Get Antibiotics for Strep Throat?
In light of the fact that every round of antibiotics potentially damages the gut in a manner than can never be 100% repaired, I think questioning the automatic use of antibiotics for every single case of strep is worth consideration. While some people clearly need meds, they are not necessary for everyone even if the suggestion may seem ludicrous at first.
The complications of strep throat are, after all, extremely serious. However, they are also rare especially for a healthy person with no autoimmune issues. Scarlet fever, inflammation of the kidney, or rheumatic fever which could permanently damage the heart are all remote possibilities.
I dated a guy in high school who was deaf in one ear from Scarlet fever (who is ironically now a MD). I am in no way kidding myself about how serious complications from strep throat can be by questioning whether antibiotics are truly needed for this type of infection.
My Experience with Untreated Strep Throat
My serious doubts about the wisdom of using antibiotics for strep throat go back to my one and only experience with this infection the summer I turned 15.  Strep was by far the worst sore throat I’ve ever had and the pain when I swallowed was almost unbearable to endure.
My Father, a Family Physician, made the decision not to put me on any antibiotics and let me ride it out under my own power. My Dad wasn’t into herbs or anything so I didn’t have any alternative treatments administered either.
The infection lasted over a week … my memory remembers a full two weeks but it might have been a few days shy of that.
I lost several pounds during that illness as I could only endure swallowing liquids the entire time. I pretty much subsisted on vanilla milkshakes from the ice cream shop down the road for the duration of that awful infection and I still got well under my own power with no complications.
The interesting thing is that I seem to have developed an immunity to strep ever since. I’ve never had strep throat ever again in 35+ years. This is despite repeated exposures at close range. During college, I even had a roommate with strep and didn’t get sick. This despite eating pretty rotten cafeteria food and lots of sugary foods. This no doubt suppressed my immune function considerably.
Is it possible that allowing the body to fight off strep throat naturally on its own confers partial or total immunity?
I’ve often considered this possibility over the years. My personal belief is that yes, it is very much possible to develop an immunity to strep throat. Certainly, though, my anecdotal story does not in any way provide sufficient evidence.
I can say with certainty that if and when any of my children (or myself) ever came down with strep throat, hands down I would without question skip the antibiotics.
Why?
Developing Strep Throat Immunity (yes, it’s possible!)
The reason is that folks who take antibiotics for strep throat seem to get it over and over and over again. Sometimes they get strep throat again within mere days or weeks from the previous infection. Have you noticed this vicious cycle too?
Wouldn’t it be a far better and healthier approach to fight it off one time and be done with it possibly for the rest of your life?
My retired MD Dad is of the philosophy that if you give the body a crutch every time it gets ill, it will always expect and demand that crutch. This results in immunity getting weaker over time. I have witnessed the truth of this philosophy through observation. Those who have the tendency to over-medicate their illnesses whether it be with antibiotics or (gasp) even natural remedies can unwittingly experience a downside.
Attempting to squelch illness at the first sign of a sniffle, for example, is not a wise approach in my opinion even if nontoxic.
The immune system stays strong when it is allowed to fight and defeat an illness with no interference. Ideally, rest and nourishment only (including frequent mugs of homemade bone broth or soups made with it) should be provided.
Now, I do think that much consideration needs to be given to the health of the individual before forgoing the meds. A child with autoimmune issues who is not eating well in the first place probably should just take the antibiotics.
On the other hand, a robust healthy child with no autoimmune illness who is consuming an excellent diet has a superb chance of handling the infection well with no intervention.
My Daughter’s Experience with Untreated Strep Throat
Recently, my preteen daughter came down with strep. She is my youngest child, and this was the first time any of my three children had ever had strep throat.
Given that she is healthy with no underlying health issues, my husband and I decided to ride it out. We treated her with natural antibiotics only.
The result?
She recovered completely within 48 hours. In fact, the white spots on her throat disappeared in less than 12 hours once we started treatments. We used garlic, raw manuka honey, and turmeric several times a day.
It will be interesting to see if she ever gets strep throat again. My bet is that she won’t. She will likely develop partial or total lifelong immunity just like I did when I recovered at age 15 from untreated strep.
UPDATE
It’s been nearly four years including a very bad flu season with no recurrence of strep for my daughter. It’s looking good for her having developed natural immunity.
Have you recovered from strep throat with no antibiotics needed? Did you develop a strep throat immunity afterward? Please let us know your experience in the comments section.
References
Canadian Family Physician, Should we treat strep throat with antibiotics?
More Information
How to Repair Your Gut After Antibiotics
Why Antibiotics Today Could Threaten Your Life Tomorrow
Hello, I wish you had posted what to look for when complications do happen. I was 3 and half when I had one of those complications, the red rosy rash. I have had strep countless times. Even when antibiotics were given I was out school for at least a week. When my tonsils were taken out they had strep. I also had strep Pneumonia. Had there been no antibiotic, things may have been more from for me. I don’t have a compromised immune systrm. I think care should be taken when talking no antibiotics and explaining the whole picture of complications,not just a oh, these things could happen! Because some folks will read , no antibiotic needed and read no further. Like someone I know did today. So that person is out and about spreading their germs about and possibly exposing an immuno compromised person, while my child is at home sick, and likely got strep from them and yes my child’s immune system is low, he got the H3N2 flu and had just gotten over it. I am not a parent who demands antibiotics. However, antibiotics do have their place, and because my son had just had the flu I chose to give him an antibiotic.
I’m 15 and I just recently had strep and the doctor gave me some pills(antibiotics) and I’ve been pretending to take the pills and just throw one away every time I’m suppose to take them, is this bad, and will it effect my health?
My son (3 yrs) has scarlet fever (rash all over). Would you suggest treating that differently that regular strep throat? Is there more of a risk with not treating scarlet fever?
You should take this child to the doctor immediately. This is a complication that needs attention right away.
When I hear of cases like yours that are more acute, I have to wonder if the bacteria are hiding somewhere like a toothbrush or some carrier. It’s like you get over the infection but then reintroduce the bacteria later on. Just a thought for those having repeated infections of this nature. I wonder how long Streptococcal bacteria can survive in something like a room temperature damp toothbrush, or something less hospitable like a thermometer.
Hi Sarah,
I find this article very encouraging! I don’t remember exactly when I first got strep, but I do know that every year, for the past 8 years, I end up at the doctor for strep. That is usually the only thing I go to the Dr for. I certainly believe that because I have taken antibiotics each time that I am more susceptible to the infection. When you think about it, many people that had strep before the medications were available had to “ride it out,” so to speak. I’m not 100% sure, but I really don’t think they were getting strep over and over again each year. I believe that God created our bodies to handle amazing things. I think it is fully equipped to fight off this infection. I currently have strep, yet again. This time I am going to “ride it out.” I am much too tired of getting it constantly. I am a little concerned that my body has relied on the antibiotics too long. I don’t know if that will make a difference it not, but I’m still trying it. Thanks for this post!
I have had strep 3 times in my 38 years. I remember all 3, because I felt like I was dying each time. All 3 times, I took antibiotics, and I felt better within 24 hours. I have not had strep in over 14 years, in spite of being exposed to it multiple times. I don’t believe I have immunity to it–but I do believe I have never been prone to catch it, and now as an adult, I have really good hand hygiene and I am very aware to never put my hands around my face.
I have 3 children. One tends to get strep more often than the others. He has had it 4 times in 9 years–now I know the very distinct symptoms, and I have him at the dr and an antibiotic started within hours of his symptoms showing. Again, he begins to feel relief within hours and is completely back to normal in less than 48. I know that is only the reaction to the antibiotic because the first two times he had strep, I let it go far too long thinking it was a virus. My other two children have only caught strep from him one time, and that is the only time I have ever allowed my daughter who is 5, to take antibiotics.
I do not rush to the doctor every time my kids are sick. Most of the time it is just a virus that runs its course. Even with ear infections, I will treat with OTC meds for 24-48 hrs before even considering an antibiotic, and they do often clear on their own. My son is still very healthy and is rarely sick. I think he just bites his nails, so he is more prone to pick up germs, like strep. I don’t mess around with strep. I am so thankful for modern day medicine and the discovery of antibiotics. They have literally saved millions of people since their discovery. Sure, they can be overused, but sometimes the benefits outweigh the risks.
I do not believe anyone can be immune to strep. There is zero evidence or research to point to that. Bacteria are not like viruses. You cannot become immune to them. I would spend more time researching it before writing a blog that comes off as medical advice, which might encourage parents to withhold antibiotics from their child when they are sick.
I don’t recommend getting your children to ride it out because your worried about antibiotics as a couple did and relied on herbal medication and their child died they both ended up in court and blamed for not getting their child antibiotics from a doctor and instead used herbal remedies. They’re are now both in jail in Canada.
Ummmm, if you look at that case, the child was never taken to the doctor and WAS VERY VERY ILL and still the parents did nothing. This article never suggests such an approach!
What about PANDAS, the psychiatric syndrome related to untreated strep infection?
Hi there. In the past 2 years, my son and I have gotten strep 2, 3 times each. We took antibiotics and it keeps coming. Last time I recall taking the medication and it lasted about 7 days.
So this time I got it (didn’t see a doctor, but extreme pain swallowing, no fever, few cold symptoms) and decided to ride it out hoping to protect my stomach and future potential of mr.Strepp returning.
Now I’m on day 10 and finally feeling better. The 1st week I was away for work, then came home. I informed everyone I’m contagious and took hygiene precautions. So far, none of my coworkers or family caught it.
God knows if this really is Strepp-asaurus, but it sure felt like it!
If ’twas, then I look forward to concluding a better immunity to it in the new year, as I was sick of suffering repeatedly.
Thanks for your encouragement to not over-drug ourselves.
I assure you, I am not throwing caution to the wind, as we cancelled our trip to see my new nephew at this time.
Pediatrician here: strept throat might treat itself, that’s not the problem. The problem is that when the body makes antibodies, it can make antibodies again heart tissue and kidney tissue, resulting in problems called acute rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis, respectively. Luckily it’s not too common since strept is easily caught and treated.
Just because you have strept one time and fight it naturally or wait it out, that doesn’t mean you can’t get it again. I’m not saying you need antibiotics every time you have a sore throat, but if you do have strept, it should be treated.
Saying that you shouldn’t have to worry about getting others sick is just socially irresponsible. It’s not just immunocompromised people that can get sick.
???? Your body making antibodies is exactly the point … and it’s a benefit that keeps you from getting it again! Amazing how conventional medicine takes something positive the body does and turns it into a fear based tactic to keep otherwise healthy people on the drug train.