Strep Throat and Sore Throats in Children

Strep Throat: What Ontario Parents Need to Know

When your child complains of a sore throat, it's natural to wonder if it could be strep. The truth is, you can't diagnose strep throat just by looking, but there are some telling signs that can help you decide when to seek care.

What's going on?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. Unlike viral sore throats that come with colds, strep throat needs antibiotic treatment to clear up and prevent complications.

It's actually pretty common in school-age kids, especially during fall and winter months when children are in close contact. The bacteria spreads through droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or shares drinks and utensils.

What you might notice

- Sudden onset of severe sore throat

- Difficulty or pain when swallowing

- Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or pus

- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth

- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

- Fever (usually 38°C/100.4°F or higher)

- Headache and body aches

- Nausea or vomiting (especially in younger children)

Here's what makes strep different: your child usually won't have a runny nose, cough, or other cold symptoms. If they do have these signs, it's more likely a viral infection.

What helps at home

While you're arranging medical care, you can help your child feel more comfortable. Offer plenty of fluids like water, warm broth, or herbal tea with honey (for kids over 12 months). Cold treats like popsicles or ice cream can soothe the throat too.

Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever and throat pain. Always follow the dosing instructions on the package for your child's age and weight.

Encourage rest and keep your child home from school or daycare until they've been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and are fever-free.

When to worry

Head to the emergency room if your child has difficulty breathing, drooling excessively, or trouble opening their mouth. These could be signs of a more serious throat infection.

Call your doctor or text Arlo if your child has a severe sore throat with fever, especially without cold symptoms. A quick throat swab can confirm strep, and if it's positive, antibiotics will have your child feeling much better within a day or two.

The takeaway

Trust your parental instincts. If something feels different about this sore throat, it's worth checking out.

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

References

- [Strep Throat](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/strep_throat)

- [Sore Throat](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=30&language=english)

- [Group A Streptococcal Disease](https://www.ontario.ca/page/group-streptococcal-disease)