Can You Have Strep Throat Without A Fever?

Strep throat is a very irritating and annoying infection. Aside from causing our throats to become painful and sore, this condition also causes us difficulty in swallowing any drinks or food. Because of this, our appetite is also altered. However, these are not the only things that strep throat can cause us to exhibit. Most people infected with strep throat can also experience coughing, sneezing, body pains or muscle aches and high-grade fever. However, not all of these symptoms can be present in all cases of strep infection. But can you have strep throat without a fever?

Strep throat is basically a type of infection that is caused by a bacterium otherwise known as group A streptococcus. Once this type of bacteria attacks the system, it can directly hit our throat region causing soreness and inflammation of the area. This will now lead to the condition commonly known as strep throat. Just like any other types of bacterial infection, fever or hyperthermia is also expected to occur. Fever is actually not a disease rather it is a symptom of a particular health problem in the body. The increase in body temperature is a natural or innate defense of the system once it is being threatened by a pathogen or an invading foreign body. This is a way for the immune to help fight off the bacteria and as well as serve as a signal of an ongoing infection. Nevertheless, is it really possible for strep throat to occur without experiencing fever or increase in body temperature?

The answer to this question is YES. Strep throat can still occur without the host becoming febrile or experiencing high-grade temperature. Fever is not the indicating symptom that strep throat is present. Most doctors would usually diagnose strep infection through strep tests and examinations. Other would already even settle to the symptoms of having sore throat and difficulty in swallowing as evidence for the said condition. Aside from these, the presence of white spots, patches, and streaks on the back of the throat can be indicative of strep infection. However, fever is not necessarily a regular or constant side effect of this disease, although this symptom too is also expected to occur.

Not experiencing any increase in our body temperature is usually a good thing; however, becoming afebrile during an infection can also have its downside. As we already know, fever is a good sign of infection. Once this occurs, it signals the need for appropriate and immediate treatment. It is possible to purchase and FDA-Approved Rapid screening test for strep throat or pharyngitis, same as the tests performed at a doctor’s office or pediatrician’s office. This allows us to provide immediate and fast intervention thus preventing complications from occurring. Strep throat may look like a simple and ordinary health problem; nonetheless, this infection can also lead to something serious once it left untreated. Strep infection can also cause rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease. This is a complicated condition wherein the bacteria have already invaded the valves of the heart, which can cause grave damage and can even lead to death. This is the reason why fast action is required in all strep infections in order to prevent this complication from happening. This is why having a fever is also important in order for us to carry out fast interventions for the said infection.

These are just some of the essential facts about strep throat, which includes the importance of fever as a defense mechanism of the body.