Strep Throat in Kids: What Parents Should Know

With the recent rise in strep throat, here is a short guide on what you need to know regarding its symptoms and when to have your child tested! 

Sore throats are common in children, but not all are caused by strep. Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. Unlike a typical viral sore throat, strep often requires antibiotics for treatment.

Signs of strep throat can include:

• Sudden sore throat and pain when swallowing

• Fever

• Red, swollen tonsils (sometimes with white spots)

• Swollen glands in the neck

• Typically no cough or runny nose (those are usually from a cold)

When to see a doctor:

If your child has a persistent sore throat with fever, difficulty swallowing, or swollen tonsils, it’s best to have them tested. A quick strep test or throat culture can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:

If strep is confirmed, antibiotics help shorten durations, and reduce contagiousness. Kids can usually return to school or daycare after 24 hours on antibiotics and once they’re fever-free.

What you can do at home:

• Offer plenty of fluids and soft foods

• Give age-appropriate pain relief, like Tylenol or Ibuprofen 

• Make sure you’re child gets plenty of rest 

• Remind kids to wash hands and avoid sharing cups or utensils

If your child is currently experiencing any of these symptoms and you are concerned they may have strep, stop by our office to get tested today!