Question 1

can you get strep if you've had your tonsils taken out?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Streptococcus mutans is a bacteria that normally resides in the mouth.  When it becomes out of balance, strep throat may result.

Question 2

son has had strep 3-4 times in last 2-3 months. should he get his tonsils out ?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: I would have your doctor check if he is a carrier of strep (do a throat culture when he is not sick ; off antibiotics).  If he is not, likely he will need a tonsillectomy.  The criteria is usually 6-8 times of strep in a year - but he is getting them recurrently in a short time. Be be sure to complete all antibiotic courses ; change his toothbrush etc.

Question 3

can i get strep from someone who has tonsillitis. but i do not have tonsils?

Accepted Answer

Yes possible: although your symptoms will be much less severe. Even if your tonsils may not have grown back but you may have tonsil tissue left behind. Also, if your adenoids were not removed during the initial surgery, strep may infect those as well.

Question 4

tonsils swell and have white spots everytime i get a cold. strep test comes back sometimes positive and other times negative. is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Can be: You may have pitted tonsils that collect debris, causing  white spots.  This may happen independent of catching the strep bacteria or a viral pharyngitis (which is actually much more common than strep), and it can sometimes happen when you are not even sick.  If it is causing you to miss work or school a lot, you may want to see an ENT to discuss getting your tonsils out.

Question 5

will i get my tonsils removed. i have had strep every year and tonsil stones which are symptomatic. they are the size of huge pea.

Accepted Answer

You could: Speak to an Ear Nose Throat doctor about all the risks and benefits. Sounds like you may not qualify if the strep is only once a year . Some prefer 3-4 per year. Nonetheless if it is obstructing your airway they may consider and clear you surgically. Please see an Ear Nose Throat Doctor.

Question 6

is it possible to get strep throat if you don't have any tonsils?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Even in the absence of tonsils, you can still get a strep infection.

Question 7

i have strep throat alot! and often get tonsil stones - i have been advised to get my tonsils out, but im worried as am 35 and have read its horrendous and a long process and i play top sport. any advice?? recommendations? please!

Accepted Answer

Medical Advice: You have been given terrific advice by a physician who has examined you and advised you of proper treatment. Your recovery will probably not be as bad as you think. Unfortunately this will disrupt your life for a very short while, and in turn will make you healthier... small price to pay. Think long term. Frequent use of antibiotics fighting off infected throats isn't good, either.

Question 8

if i have guttate psoriasis and i have flare ups when i get strep. i have no tonsils, could the be caused by my adenoids?

Accepted Answer

Suggest PCN: I suggest penicillin V 500mg daily for several years to prevent strep. This was used very successfully 50-60 years ago to stop rheumatic fever. It is very safe and not expensive.

Question 9

i get strep infections 4-6 times a year and right now i'm on my 2nd case of strep in a 2 month period. should i get my tonsils removed ?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent Strep: From your description, especially culture positive for strep, you are a very good candidate for tonsillectomy; however, since you have not provided any other information about yourself, not even your age, I would recommend you discuss with your PCP a referral to ENT for further discussion regarding your specific situation.

Question 10

given long term risks (heart, obesity, etc), would it be better to not get 4 y/o's tonsils out? he gets strep often but responds to meds.

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: If he is getting documented strep tonsillitis more than three times a year, they need to come out.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Can you get strep if you have your tonsils out

A member asked:

Can you get strep if you've had your tonsils taken out?

A member asked:

Son has had strep 3-4 times in last 2-3 months. should he get his tonsils out ?

A member asked:

Can i get strep from someone who has tonsillitis. but i do not have tonsils?

A member asked:

Tonsils swell and have white spots everytime i get a cold. strep test comes back sometimes positive and other times negative. is this normal?

A member asked:

Will i get my tonsils removed. i have had strep every year and tonsil stones which are symptomatic. they are the size of huge pea.

A member asked:

Is it possible to get strep throat if you don't have any tonsils?

A member asked:

I have strep throat alot! and often get tonsil stones - i have been advised to get my tonsils out, but im worried as am 35 and have read its horrendous and a long process and i play top sport. any advice?? recommendations? please!

A member asked:

If i have guttate psoriasis and i have flare ups when i get strep. i have no tonsils, could the be caused by my adenoids?

A member asked:

I get strep infections 4-6 times a year and right now i'm on my 2nd case of strep in a 2 month period. should i get my tonsils removed ?

A member asked:

Given long term risks (heart, obesity, etc), would it be better to not get 4 y/o's tonsils out? he gets strep often but responds to meds.

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?