Does My Child’s Sore Throat Need Antibiotics?

Sore Throats: What Ontario Parents Need to Know

When your child complains of a sore throat, you're probably wondering if it's just a cold or something that needs antibiotics. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and will get better on their own, but some bacterial infections like strep throat do need antibiotic treatment.

What's going on?

About 90% of sore throats in children are viral, which means antibiotics won't help. Your child's immune system will fight off the virus in a few days to a week. The remaining 10% are usually caused by bacteria, most commonly group A strep.

Strep throat is more common in school age children (5 to 15 years old) and tends to happen more in fall, winter, and early spring when kids are in closer contact. It spreads through droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks.

The tricky part is that viral and bacterial sore throats can look pretty similar, which is why doctors sometimes need to do a throat swab to know for sure.

What you might notice

- Throat pain that makes swallowing difficult

- Red, swollen throat or tonsils

- White or yellow patches on the throat or tonsils

- Swollen, tender neck glands

- Fever (often higher with strep)

- Headache

- Stomach ache (especially in younger children with strep)

What helps at home

Pain relief is your main goal while you figure out what's causing the sore throat. Give age appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with pain and fever. Warm salt water gargles can soothe older children who can gargle without swallowing.

Keep your child hydrated with small sips of water, popsicles, or warm broth. Cold foods like ice cream or smoothies might feel good too. Honey can help children over 12 months old, but skip it for babies.

A cool mist humidifier in their room can add moisture to dry air that might be making their throat feel worse.

When to worry

Head to the emergency room if your child has trouble breathing, drooling because they can't swallow, or seems unusually sick or lethargic.

See a doctor or text Arlo if the sore throat is severe, lasts more than a few days, comes with a high fever, or if you notice those classic strep signs like white patches on the throat plus fever. Children under 3 rarely get strep throat, but if your toddler has a persistent sore throat with fever, it's worth checking in with a healthcare provider.

The takeaway

Most sore throats will get better with rest and comfort measures, but when in doubt, it's always okay to check with a professional. You know your child best.

You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!

References

- [Sore throat](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/sore_throat)

- [Strep throat](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=11&language=English)

- [Sore throat - self-care](https://ontario.ca/page/sore-throat-self-care)