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Not every sore throat is strep. In fact, over 90 percent of them are just old-fashioned viruses. So how do you tell when a simple sore throat might be strep? Read the following handout for more information about strep throat.
 

Not every sore throat is strep. In fact, over 90 percent of them are just old-fashioned viruses. So how do you tell when a simple sore throat might be strep? Read the following handout for more information about strep throat.

 

 

Most infections in children are viral. These infections commonly surface as coughs, colds, and sore throats. Antibiotics are not effective against viral illness. Strep throats are caused by a specific bacteria and require treatment with antibiotics. Your health care provider will need to test for strep, by rapid strep test or throat culture, to determine if your child has strep.

Signs of Strep

Typical signs of strep include a temperature of over 100 , sudden onset of a sore throat, and swollen glands in the neck. Vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and stomachache may also be present. There may be a fine, red rash on the body that feels like sandpaper. Often the tonsils are very red and may have pus on them. Strep is not usually associated with typical "cold" symptoms such as a cough, sneezing, or congestion.

Serious Symptoms and Complicating Factors

Serious symptoms include noisy breathing, respiratory difficulty, inability to swallow, and drooling. WHEN THESE SYMPTOMS ARE PRESENT, HAVE YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER EXAMINE YOUR CHILD.

Diagnosis of Strep

  • Strep can only be reliably diagnosed by a Quick Strep detection test done while you wait, or by an overnight throat culture. It cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms or exam alone.
  • A positive Quick Strep test indicates the presence of strep germs in the throat. Your child must be examined by your health care provider to initiate treatment.
  • A negative Quick Strep test usually means that the sore throat is caused by a virus and is likely to get better without antibiotic treatment. A small percentage of those with a negative Quick Strep test may still have strep, and an overnight throat culture must be done to determine this.
  • If a throat culture is positive, we will call you the next morning—or afternoon if the culture was done late in the day.
    If your child was examined the previous day, we will call a prescription in to your pharmacy. If no examination
    was done the day before, your child must be seen in the office before starting treatment.
  • PLEASE NOTE: THROAT CULTURES DONE ON FRIDAY MAY NOT BE READ UNTIL MONDAY MORNING
  • If your child has had a strep infection in the previous four weeks, a Quick Strep test cannot be reliably done—only
    an overnight throat culture will be performed.

Strep Treatment

  • Complete the entire course of antibiotic, even after your child starts feeling better.
  • The child will be contagious until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment. The acute symptoms should
    improve within 48 hours.If symptoms are not better or persist after 48 hours, or if the symptoms become worse, contact us.
  • There is no need for a follow-up appointment unless symptoms recur.

Preventing the Spread of Strep

  • The child with strep should use separate towels and eating utensils, and not share drinking cups.
  • If family members, including parents, show symptoms suggesting strep sore throat, contact us. The
    incubation period (time from exposure to illness) is two to five days.

Viral Illness

Viruses cause most coughs, sore throats, and all colds. Antibiotics are not effective
against viruses. But there are remedies to ease the symptoms. Follow the recommendations under
symptomatic treatment. Contact us if symptoms persist beyond five to seven days, or symptoms become
worse.

Symptomatic Treatment

  • Ensure that your child gets plenty of rest and drinks lots of fluids.
  • Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not use aspirin with children and teenagers (because of the risk
    of Reyes Syndrome).
  • Gargle with warm salt water (¬ tsp. per 8 oz. of water).
  • Older children (over 4 years of age) may suck on throat lozenges, hard candy, or ice.
  • Eat soft foods. Drink cool beverages or warm liquids.
  • Eat frozen desserts such as popsicles.

Preventing Illness

  • Ensure that children get plenty of rest and eat a well balanced diet.
  • Avoid exposure to adults and children with colds or sore throats.
  • Use Kleenex and cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues.
  • Wash hands with soap and water after coughing or sneezing, or when exposed to other who are ill.
  • Don't share eating and drinking utensils.
  • Avoid putting shared toys and objects in mouth.
 
 
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