Is your child complaining about a sore throat and feeling under the weather? It might be strep throat. Here’s how to figure out if that’s the case and what you can do about it.
What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a throat infection caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus. It’s common in kids and teens and can cause a pretty painful sore throat. Unlike colds, which are caused by viruses, strep throat requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications like rheumatic fever.
Signs and Symptoms of Strep Throat
Your child might have strep throat if they have:
A sudden, severe sore throat.
A fever (usually over 100.4°F or 38°C).
Swollen, red tonsils, sometimes with white patches or pus.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck that feel tender.
Headache or stomach pain.
Symptoms that don’t usually happen with strep throat:
Cough.
Runny nose.
Hoarseness or voice changes.
Mouth sores.
If your child has these viral symptoms, it’s probably not strep.
What Should You Do?
Take a Closer LookCheck your child’s throat using a flashlight. If their tonsils look red and swollen with white spots, it could be strep.
Visit a DoctorTo confirm strep throat, a doctor might:
Perform a rapid strep test (a throat swab) to check for bacteria. Results come back in minutes.
If the rapid test is negative, the doctor might send the swab for a throat culture to be sure.
Don’t Guess—Test!Even if the symptoms seem obvious, strep throat needs a test to confirm the diagnosis. This is because other infections can mimic strep.
Why Testing Matters
Diagnosing strep throat properly prevents:
Giving antibiotics unnecessarily for viral illnesses.
Complications like rheumatic fever, which can harm the heart.
Treatment for Strep Throat
If your child has strep, they’ll need antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Most kids start feeling better after a day or two of treatment.
How to Help Your Child Feel Better
Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids.
Give age-appropriate pain relief, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for throat pain and fever.
Serve soft, easy-to-swallow foods like soup or applesauce.
When to Seek Help Immediately
Take your child to the doctor right away if they have:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
A very high fever.
No improvement after 2-3 days of antibiotics.
Preventing Strep Throat
To stop strep from spreading:
Teach your child to wash their hands often.
Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or towels.
Keep them home from school until they’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and are feeling better.
Knowing the signs and acting quickly can help your child get back to their playful self in no time! If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to check with a doctor.
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