Strep throat in kids is extremely common and easily treatable. It is generally caused by a type of bacteria called group A Streptococcus. Strep throat is extremely contagious, and although it occurs most commonly in children, the sickness can be developed by anyone.
Children generally present strep throat with a sore throat, causing discomfort and sometimes visible swelling of the lymph nodes.
Strep Throat is very common in school-age children but is rare in children younger than three years old. The condition is usually easily treated with antibiotics, and children should be feeling better within a few days of beginning antibiotics.
The CDC has a full list of the benefits of taking antibiotics, as well as a detailed list of those who may not benefit from antibiotics.
What are the Symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of strep throat in kids include:
- Sore throat
- Coughing and sneezing
- Running nose
- Fever
In addition to these symptoms, children may also experience difficulty swallowing or reduced appetite.
How to Differentiate a Sore Throat From Strep Throat
Strep throat generally presents itself in a unique way that is different from many other sore throats.
A good indicator that your child may have strep throat is red and white patches on the back and sides of the throat.
How is Strep Throat Tested?
Strep throat is generally tested with a rapid strep throat test. This test involves a gentle throat culture.
Testing for strep throat in kids may be overwhelming or uncomfortable. At KidsStreet Urgent Care, we provide a kid-friendly atmosphere that helps reduce the anxiety of rapid strep testing. This is the first step to getting your child healing and feeling better.
How is It treated?
After testing, a plan of action can be discussed with your healthcare provider. KidsStreet Urgent Care offers treatment of both strep throat and sore throat.
What are the Treatment Options?
Generally, antibiotics will be prescribed to treat strep throat. However, if your child has strep throat and cannot take antibiotics, there are other treatment plans that can be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Learn More About Strep Throat in Kids from KidsStreet Urgent Care
KidsStreet Urgent Care not only wants your children to start healing and feeling better, but we also want our patients to remain healthy.
How to Help Reduce the Spread of Bacteria Infections in Kids
Strep throat is an extremely contagious condition that affects many children every year. Here are some things you can do to reduce the spread of strep throat:
- Keep your child home from school when experiencing symptoms and signs of strep throat
- Limit drinking after children with the condition
- Encourage your children to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing
- Wash hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds each time
Turn to KidsStreet Urgent Care for Your Urgent Care Needs
Is your child suffering from strep throat signs and symptoms? KidsStreet Urgent Care is here to help.
KidsStreet Urgent care offers a kid-friendly atmosphere with experienced and professional staff. We want to get your children healing and feeling better.
You can register online to secure a spot in line while waiting from your car or your home, and we will alert you via text message when we are ready for you. You will have 30 minutes from when we text you to make it into our office and check in with the front desk.
Walk-ins are welcome, but we highly recommend registering online. This will reduce in-clinic wait times.