Is It Strep? What You Need to Know About Sore Throats! by Dr. Hannah Chow-Johnson


Is It Strep? What You Need to Know About Sore Throats!

Sore throats are a common complaint in kids. About 70 percent of the time, sore throats are caused by a virus. Antibiotics are not effective at treating a viral illness. Still, at times it’s something more. Does your child have the following?

  • a constant sore throat
  • headaches
  • stomach aches
  • fever

These are symptoms of strep throat. There also might be a bright, sunburn-like rash in the throat. You should make an appointment with your pediatrician. If your child does have strep, they are contagious until being on antibiotics for 24 hours. Otherwise, go by comfort level as far as when to return to school.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal health care provider.

Nancy Jhon
According to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strep throat is a most common reason for sore throat in children, but it is less common in adults. Although people of all ages are susceptible to strep throat, children between the ages of 5 to 15 years are most affected. That is why crowded places like schools are the one of the major places from where strep throat spreads. Strep throat is so common in children that 6 out of 20 children suffering from a sore throat have strep throat. In adults the ratio is just 1 to 3 persons per 20 persons. The symptoms of strep throat in children include: Sore throat, Yellow patches in the throat, Chills and fever, Abdominal pain, Vomiting, Headaches, Stiffness, Loss of appetite, Difficulty in swallowing, Nasal congestion and “Strawberry tongue” – which is characterized by red and inflamed taste buds. Some of the symptoms of strep throat in adults are similar to those in children. They include: Sore throat, Fever, Muscle pain, Nausea, Vomiting, Runny nose, Sneezing, Coughing, Swollen lymph nodes and sometimes a skin rash.
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