What Should You Do If You Think Your Child Has Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a common cause of sore throats caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It typically requires treatment with antibiotics. It is most common in children, in late fall and early spring.
But does your child have strep throat or a more common and less severe sore throat? It can be tough to tell, especially in the early stages. Here we’ve listed signs to look for and steps to take if you suspect your child has strep throat.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and not by bacteria. These will normally not require medical treatment.
The signs of strep throat in a child can include:
- a severe and sudden sore throat
- white or yellow patches in the throat
- swollen tonsils
- difficulty swallowing
- tender or swollen lymph nodes
- fever over 101℉
- red and enlarged tonsils
- headache
- abdominal pain
- muscle pain
- general discomfort
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- rash
- nasal congestion
- neck pain
While these signs can indicate strep, your child could also have a viral infection or some other illness. Proper diagnosis should be made by a skilled medical provider, and you should call our office immediately if any of these next signs or symptoms exist:
- A sore throat accompanied by tender or swollen lymph nodes
- A sore throat lasting more than 48 hours
- Fever above 101℉ in older children, or a fever lasting longer than 48 hours
- A sore throat accompanied by a rash
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- If there is no improvement after 48 hours of taking antibiotics when strep was diagnosed
We strive to provide the highest level of medical services to your children. Call Glen Allen Pediatrics right away at 804-282-4210 if you suspect your child has strep throat.