Is it possible to have strep throat with no swollen tonsils?

Yes: New throat pain can be from a strep throat infection (antibiotics are needed), a cold or influenza (antibiotics usually not used), or from some other cause such as allergies or irritants. Usually, a person sees the doctor if the sore throat is bothersome, recurrent, or doesn't go away quickly (mainly to check for strep). A couple days of throat lozenges and Tylenol (acetaminophen) can lessen pain.

Yes ...but: As many as 5% of the population carry the germ in their throat year round and never get infected. This carrier state is one reason we see it all year. During heavy months the well/carriage rate can increase to 20%.Just because you have strep by test does not mean you have an illness. If you are ill with a sore throat & strep is +, it is considered an infection, tonsil swelling or not.