preventing further mpv damage/flu?

Sorry in advance if I am not suppose to post here. I was not sure where to post this. I have minor mitral valve prolapse with minimal thickening and trace regurgitation. I was told I could have gotten in from strept throat as a kid or something. My question is this---If strept throat can cause it, then if you get it again will it make it worse? The reason I ask is I woke up with a slight sore throat on one side for 3 days, the tonsil is still swollen, but I now have what feels like the flu (I dont get fevers) but I have a horid headache, body feels lousy, sick and a slight cough and slight runny nose. (both are very slight) but I feel HORID. The thing is, I dont want to run to the dr. if it will pass within 5-7 days--but if MVP makes me more likely to get more valve damage IF it was an infection, then would the damage be done in 5-7 days. If I was in serious throat pain I would go in, but I just feel terrible like the flu. Pvcs are also way more busy with this. Anyone have any inoformation on the risks with MVP?

[TatiSD]

You should be checked out by your doc because if you do have strep you should be treated with antibiotics, esp. if you're concerned about the strep causing MVP damage.  I also have slight MVP and endured horrendous episodes of strep infections.  I also have the feeling that these infections are the reason my heart started to go electrically haywire.
Strep is a nasty bacteria so it's best you address it at the doctor's office.
I have asked my cardiologist about the possibility of these strep infections causing my pvc's and arrhythmia, and they shrugged their shoulders and basically said, it may be possible.  I never got a confirmation since this may be too hard to confirm.  The arrhythmia may have been provoked by something else, even though I had strep that landed me in the hospital for a full week.  Meanwhile drink lots of liquids and get well soon.
white spots on the tonsils is pretty indicative of strep.

[jennyfi1234]

Thank you so much!

[ireneo]

I found out years ago that some viruses can cause white spots on the tonsils too. The easiest way to know for sure is get a strep test. It's so quick, a swab around the back of the throat and you'll know within an hour. If they're not sure, they usually do the culture as well. No need to take a risk. Strep is nasty stuff.

[jennyfi1234]

Thanks guys. I dont have any white spots, just a lone swollen tonsil. The pain is gone though today, just feel like the flu now. I think I will wait and see if better tom or not. If throat pain comes back I will go in though. Thanks so much. I always wonder though - if strept throat can cause mvp, can getting it again cause the valve to worsen?

[ireneo]

Strep, if not treated, can spread to other organs and cause severe illnesses. Almost any bacteria has the potential of spreading to the heart but it's not real common. Right now it sounds like your tonsils are doing their job, reacting to some germ in a nearby area. Just keep an eye on it.