Two different germs cause sore throats – viruses and bacteria. When a sore throat comes on fast, it may be caused by the bacteria streptococci (strep-tuh-kaak-sai), or strep. Strep throat is most common in school-age children, but anyone can
get it. A child with strep throat may any of these symptoms:
When a child has a cough, hoarseness, red eyes and runny nose, it may be due to a virus, the flu or a different illness rather than strep. DiagnosisThe doctor or health care provider will examine your child, ask about signs and symptoms, and test for strep.
Treatment with Antibiotics
How to Care For Your ChildThere are things you can do to help your child feel better.
How to Protect Others
When to Call the Doctor or Health Care ProviderCall your child’s doctor or health care provider if they have started taking antibiotics and they:
Strep Throat - Bacterial (PDF), Somali (PDF), Spanish (PDF) HH-I-122 ©11/1989, revised 8/22 Nationwide Children’s Hospital You Might Also Be Interested In
What do you look for when checking for strep throat?The most common symptoms of strep throat include:. Sore throat that can start very quickly.. Pain when swallowing.. Fever.. Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.. Petechiae — pronounced pi-TEE-kee-eye — on the soft or hard palate (tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth). When should I see a doctor about strep throat?In most cases, your sore throat will improve with at-home treatment. However, it's time to see your doctor if a severe sore throat and a fever over 101 degrees lasts longer than one to two days; you have difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids; or a red rash appears.
How do you know if you have strep throat or just a sore throat?Signs and symptoms of strep throat are very similar to an ordinary sore throat, but in general strep throat has: White patches on the tonsils or back of the throat. Just a sore throat without cough/cold symptoms like a runny nose or congestion. Swollen lymph nodes (right below the earlobes)
Can strep throat go away without antibiotics?If you have strep throat—which is caused by bacteria—your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, such as penicillin. But strep throat goes away on its own in 3 to 7 days with or without antibiotics. Antibiotics may not make you well faster.
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