Hi. Hope someone out there has a medical degree pertinent to this question. My 9 year old son has had strep throat 4 times in the past 4 months. It seems to always present itself a couple days after the onset of another illness, such as a common cold or stomach flu. Is it possible he is a carrier and when his immunity is compromised by another active illness, the strep bug rears it's ugly head? Similarly, could it be that one of us family members is a carrier and he is susceptible when his immunity is lowered by another illness. The doc hasn't suggested that we all get tested, but when is that protocol? As a side note, I want to assure you that he has completed each round of antibiotic as prescribed. Thanks. :?: :) :?:

I've heard of strep carriers. But I don't know how it works. I'd definitely ask my pediatrician if it's a possibility.

I know DH never gets strep, and says he's a carrier but I don't know how they arrived @ that conclusion. I have had strep maybe 5-6x ever but once just last year.

Absolutely bring up the topic of being a carrier with the Dr. Some people just are carriers and it makes sense that the bug is opportunistic. I've also heard of the family dog being a carrier (after family members were ruled out). Something else I heard recently that I'd never thought of is to change the affected persons toothbrush as part of the treatment.

My DGS has had strep thraot 3xs this year.His teacher has it again so guess who will have it next

When my youngest daughter was in middle school she kept getting strep and we found out her best friend was the carrier after we were all tested.

Not a medical person, but I thought carriers usually didn't get sick with it (or display symptoms of illness). It is possible for family members to be carriers and not know it. I've had friends have this happen. Also - have you gotten him a new toothbrush after every incident? Try doing so if not already. If he gets it again in the near future, ask the doctor about having everyone tested. Or see if he can be tested once he's finished with the antibiotics/symptoms and is healthy.

Maybe you can get a referral to an infectious disease specialist?

Hi So-Sew,

I would definitely ask the doctor about having the family tested to see if someone is a carrier.

I would also be asking the teacher, principal and the school nurse to see if there are others in his class having problems as there could be a carrier in the class.

With regards to the toothbrush, I would simply boil his and everyone's brushes every day until past this episode of illness and then each episode of future illnesses. It does seem to help.

I would also start your soon on larger doses of vitamin C. Get him eating some oranges and other fruit as well. I would also get him a good daily vitamin. I would ask at the local natural food store about an immune support vitamin to help improve his immune system.

Good luck with getting your son back to feeling better soon.

Pam M

My daughter constantly got strep - I'm no doctor but I can tell you our experience. The doctor threatened that if she got one more case of it then he'd take her tonsils out. Wonder of wonders, she didn't get another case of it. No one in our family got it and we were definately exposed. Yes, we carry the "germ" or "bug" in us all...when our systems are down, the bugs go into action.

One thing I'd recommend....and this comes from having a son that had Menningiocci disease, get him on some meds or foods to boost his immune system. It sounds like he's "down" and just needs to be able to build up his immunity again.

BTW - my experience with this is over 30 yrs old...there is always a possibility the knowledge of this has changed...that doctor's will disagree with me. Lord knows they're always coming up with something new. DO talk to the doctor and do research online at WEBMD.com