Strep Throat
Strep throat is a
throat infection caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus. It is most common
in school-aged children and very rare for children under the age of
two-year-old. Strep throat is contagious and usually requires treatment with
antibiotics. It can easily be spread through direct or indirect contact with an
infected person such as coughing, sneezing, and shaking hands.
Symptoms :
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Enlarged red tonsils
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Red and white patches in the throat
Contact your physician if you believe your child may have strep throat.
Treatment
In most cases, your doctor will take a throat swab to determine the diagnosis for strep throat and then prescribe an antibiotic. Your child will no longer be contagious and should be feeling better after a couple of days of taking the antibiotic.
Taking care of your child at home
- Give plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration. (water or ginger ale)
- Drink through a straw.
- Avoid fruit juices, lemonade or acidic beverages.
- Warm soup, ice cream, yogurt or pudding can be soothing to the throat.
- For older children, a salt water gargle will provide relief.
- Wash hands often and thoroughly.
- Do not share utensils or glasses.