It’s spring, which means unpredictable weather, buckets of rain, and those spring respiratory sicknesses we all know and love. April showers may bring May flowers, but they also bring a host of respiratory problems…any of which can lead to a sore throat. Sore throats are one of the most common spring ailments, and especially common in kids. If you have a child between the ages of 5 and 15 years old, you may also be at increased risk for strep throat. Strep is fairly common among children in the spring and fall, and is spread through airborne germs (think sneezing or coughing).
Until all children everywhere stop using their sleeves as hankies, parents should know the difference between strep throat, which is a bacterial infection, and the more common, viral sore throat. A viral sore throat will go away on its own, but strep is caused by the streptococcal bacteria and requires antibiotics to treat. So what are the warning signs of strep?
- A sore throat that gets bad really quickly
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- An uncommon odor to bad breath is present
- White or yellow blotches on the tonsils
If you are experiencing these symptoms, or your child is complaining of a sore throat that just won’t quit, call the NYC ear nose and throat doctor, Dr. Robert Pincus. You can expect your child back in the playground in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Strep throat is caused by the streptococcal bacteria, whereas a viral sore throat is due to a viral infection. Unlike viral sore throats, which typically resolve on their own, strep throat requires antibiotic treatment to fully recover and prevent complications.
Common symptoms of strep throat include a rapidly worsening sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, unusual bad breath odor, and white or yellow blotches on the tonsils. Recognizing these signs early can help obtain timely medical care.
Children between ages 5 and 15 are at higher risk for strep throat because they are often in close contact environments like schools where airborne germs spread easily via sneezing and coughing. Their immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to bacterial infections like strep.
Strep throat spreads through airborne respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Children often transmit the bacteria to one another, especially if they use their sleeves or hands instead of tissues when sneezing or coughing.
If your child has a sore throat that worsens rapidly and is accompanied by symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, nausea, or white or yellow blotches on the tonsils, it is important to see a doctor promptly. Early diagnosis can ensure proper treatment and quicker recovery.
During a medical consultation, the doctor will review your child's symptoms and may perform a rapid strep test or throat culture to confirm the diagnosis. If strep throat is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and reduce the risk of complications.
With appropriate antibiotic treatment, children usually start feeling better within 24 to 48 hours and can return to normal activities, like playing, shortly afterward. Completing the full course of antibiotics is essential to ensure complete recovery and prevent spreading the infection.