Strep throat

is it one of those things that pops up anytime? if you got it once

Nah. Strep bacteria are naturally occuring in your throat and there is only a real problem when the bugs start to grow in numbers and infect the throat and the tonsils. Usually you must catch a contagious variant of the bug to get sick. You won't get strep without someone carrying it giving it to you.

I've had Strep at least 4 times in my life, and I am 28. It is not like chicken pox.