Some sore throats are caused by streptococcus and will need antibiotic treatment. The only way to be sure if the sore throat is caused by strep is to have a rapid strep test or throat culture done. This is a simple test that can be done in your physician's office.

If your child has or develops one or more of the symptoms listed below with the sore throat it may be a strep throat: 

• Fever
• Spots on tonsils or throat
• Nausea
• Rash
• Feels or seems ill
• Vomiting
• Aches
• Swollen or tender nodes in neck
• Abdominal pain

If any of these symptoms are present call your child's physician for advice. Early and adequate treatment can help prevent spread of the illness or serious complications like rheumatic fever, kidney damage, heart disease or arthritis.

Once appropriate therapy is started your child should start feeling better in a day or two and will not be considered contagious.

Your child's rapid and complete recovery can be helped by following these guidelines: 

• DO NOT STOP THE MEDICATION WHEN YOUR CHILD FEELS BETTER
• Each dose of medicine should be taken as prescribed
• Do not save any antibiotic for later use
• Never share antibiotics with others
• Encourage plenty of liquids and adequate rest
• CALL THE PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF: Your child does not improve in a day or two, gets worse, reacts to the medication (rash, diarrhea, etc.) 

Strep Throat

Exclusion from school