Is a person who has strep in their mouth immune to strep throat when they come in contact with someone with strep throat? Thank you very much.

50-year-old woman6 years ago
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50-year-old woman · 6 years ago
Question in general
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
Good morning, Madam,
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
This is a very good question that is difficult to answer in just a few lines. I will try to make it as easy to understand as possible. Feel free to write me again if you are still missing information.
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
Every person is a "carrier" of many different bacteria on their skin and in their gut. These bacteria are referred to as the microbiota (or microbiome). The mere presence of several bacteria, regardless of their "exact identity", protects the person who carries them from getting an infection. By occupying all the space, these bacteria reduce the risk of contracting an infection. This is one of the reasons why we take antibiotics as little as possible and only when we really need them. Taking too many antibiotics would reduce the number of bacteria on our skin or in our intestines and increase the risk of getting an infection later on.
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
Carrying a particular bacterium, such as a Streptococcus, for a specific period of time does not mean that the person will carry that bacterium permanently for life. Various elements of life will affect the composition of the microbiota and the bacteria could leave the person, before returning. Or it may never return... Who knows?
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
To come back to your question, a person who is a Strep carrier but does not develop symptoms (called a healthy carrier) is not necessarily 100% protected against infection, but the chances of getting Strep throat could be somewhat reduced. This person will not be treated with antibiotics anyway, as this could well eliminate the Streptococcus that was not causing the problem, as well as many other "good" bacteria and thus increase the chances of developing the infection later.
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
In short, a healthy carrier is not necessarily immune to the infection that could be caused by the bacteria he or she carries and could therefore become infected. However, the risk is arguably reduced.
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
Does this answer your question?
50-year-old woman · 6 years ago
The risk is reduced because our body has made its own antibodies against this bacteria. Thank you very much for your excellent answers.
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
It's a pleasure!
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist

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