Strep Throat

Common symptoms in children include:

• Sore throat, especially painful when swallowing
• Fever
• Red, swollen tonsils with white patches or streaks
• Swollen and tender neck glands
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite

It’s important to remember that not all sore throats are caused by strep bacteria. If your child has cold symptoms like a runny nose, cough, or pinkeye, the sore throat is likely viral and will usually improve on its own.

Strep throat is very contagious and anyone can catch it, but school-age kids and teens are most often affected. Cases rise during the school year, peaking in winter and early spring.

The bacteria live in the nose and throat, so talking, sneezing, coughing, or even handshakes can spread the infection.

Contact your pediatrician if your child shows any of these signs:

• Sore throat with swollen, tender lymph nodes
• Sore throat lasting more than two days
• Fever
• Rash
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• No improvement after 48 hours on antibiotics

During your visit, the pediatrician will likely perform a rapid strep test by swabbing the back of your child’s throat. This test gives results in about 20 minutes.

If positive, it confirms strep throat. If negative but symptoms persist, the doctor may send the sample for lab culture to double-check.

Treatment usually involves a 10-day course of antibiotics. While strep can sometimes clear up in about a week without treatment, antibiotics help speed recovery and reduce the chance of spreading it to others.

Within 12 hours of starting antibiotics, your child’s fever should go down, and they’re no longer contagious. Other symptoms often improve by day two or three.

Antibiotics help by:

• Reducing the bacteria’s lifespan in the body
• Relieving symptoms
• Preventing spread to other body parts
• Avoiding serious issues like rheumatic fever

Make sure your child finishes the entire course as prescribed, even if they feel better early on.

Though rare, complications can happen if the bacteria spreads beyond the throat. Possible problems include:

• Abscesses around tonsils and neck
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sinus or ear infections
• Rheumatic fever affecting heart, joints, brain, or skin

No vaccine exists for strep throat, so prevention is key. Some tips to keep your child safe include:

• Hand washing: Teach kids to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds regularly.
• Cover coughs and sneezes: Use elbow or tissue to prevent spread.
• Avoid sharing: Don’t share cups, utensils, or personal items.

If your child is sick, keep their utensils separate and wash everything thoroughly. Also, replace their toothbrush after starting antibiotics.

Home care helps your child heal comfortably. Try these tips:

• Hydration: Offer plenty of fluids like water or Pedialyte.
• Soft foods: Serve warm soups, tea, or gentle treats like ice cream. Avoid acidic drinks such as orange juice that may irritate.
• Fever and pain relief: Check with your doctor about using ibuprofen or other OTC meds.
• Return to activities: Let your child resume school only after 12 hours of antibiotics and once fever-free.

At Sammy Kim, MD, we’re dedicated to caring for your child’s health—from common illnesses to ongoing conditions. Our skilled, board-certified pediatricians provide trusted care in Encino, CA.

We offer same-day appointments at our convenient clinic. Call us at (818) 789-0941 or contact us online to schedule your visit.