It can be hard to know what’s causing a sore throat without an evaluation. That’s where strep testing comes in.
Don’t worry; we have you covered! Here is a quick primer on when testing may help and what you can expect during a visit.
Why Strep Testing May Help
Strep throat is caused by bacteria, while many sore throats are caused by viruses. On the outside, they can look very similar. Testing may help a medical provider check whether strep is present and recommend next steps.
If strep is confirmed, antibiotics may help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, reduce the chance of spreading it, and lower the risk of complications.
Symptoms That May Lead to Strep Testing
A provider may recommend testing if you notice these strep throat symptoms in kids:
- Sudden sore throat
- Fever
- Pain when swallowing
- Swollen glands
- Red or swollen tonsils
- White patches or streaks on the tonsils
- Headache
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Known strep exposure
- Symptoms without much cough or congestion
Every child is different, so the provider will consider the full picture before deciding whether a test makes sense.
What to Expect During a Strep Test
If you’ve never been through a strep test with your child, here’s what usually happens:
- A medical provider reviews your child’s symptoms.
- The provider examines the throat and neck.
- Testing may be recommended based on symptoms.
- A throat swab may be used to collect a sample.
- The provider explains next steps based on symptoms, exam, and test results.
The swab only takes a moment! It may feel a little uncomfortable or tickly, and some kids gag briefly, but it’s over quickly. Letting your child know what to expect ahead of time can help them feel calmer and handle it like a champ.
Why Antibiotics Are Not Always Needed
Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections like confirmed strep when appropriate. (Strep throat is named after the bacteria that causes it: Group A Streptococcus.) Many sore throats, though, are caused by viruses, and antibiotics won’t help them get better. A strep test can help guide your child’s care and avoid antibiotics that aren’t needed.
When to Visit KidsStreet for Strep Testing
Urgent care for kids may be a good fit when your child has:
- Sore throat with fever
- Painful swallowing
- Possible strep exposure
- Symptoms that are getting worse
- Symptoms that are not improving
- Questions about testing or next steps
Our pediatric urgent care team cares for kids every day and knows how to make visits as easy as possible for little ones and their parents.
When to Go to the ER
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1 if your child has:
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing saliva
- Drooling because swallowing is difficult
- Signs of severe dehydration
- Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
- Confusion
- A seizure
- Symptoms that feel life-threatening
If you’re ever unsure whether something is an emergency, it’s always okay to choose the emergency room.
Visit KidsStreet for Strep Testing
When a sore throat has you second guessing, a provider can evaluate your child’s symptoms and help you understand what to do next.
KidsStreet is open late 7 days a week!
Register online to save your spot in line! Online registration is not an appointment, but it can help reduce in-clinic wait times by adding you to the queue before you arrive.