Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection of the throat caused by a bacteria known as group A streptococcus. School-aged children are most susceptible to this infection, as they are generally in close contact with others who may be infected with this contagious illness.As a concerned parent, you need to know the symptoms and how the condition is treated, as well as the measures you can take to take to prevent the disease from spreading and serious complications from developing. The following is a list of dos and don'ts every parent should follow when strep throat is a concern.
1. DO Be Aware Of How Strep Throat Is Spread
The bacteria that causes strep throat is generally spread in much the same way as colds and flu viruses are. It can spread through droplets in the air as an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is also possible to catch the infection from sharing dishes with an infected person. If the infected individual has the germ on his or her hand, it may be passed on to another who touches that person's hand.
2. DON'T Forget To Instill The Importance Of Good Hygiene
It's very important to teach young children to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue (or the sleeve of their shirt) when they sneeze or cough. As with any contagious infection, regular hand washing, especially after sneezing or coughing, can also help your child avoid spreading strep throat. Make sure to carefully wash and disinfect your sick child's dishes after each meal as well.
3. DO Recognize The Symptoms Of Strep Throat
Children often develop sore throats due to the common cold virus. Although the symptoms of a viral infection can mimic those of strep, not every scratchy or irritated throat is due to a bacterial strep infection. Sore throats due to colds and flu may not need medication, as antibiotics have no effect on bacterial infections.
However, if your child does indeed have strep throat, his or her pediatrician will likely prescribe antibiotics after a lab test at a clinic such as Valley Pediatric Clinic confirms the diagnosis.
How can you tell if your child needs to be seen by the doctor? Recognize the following signs and symptoms which may indicate a strep throat infection.
Fever
Although some children with colds may develop a low-grade fever, strep frequently causes a fever that is somewhat higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In some cases, the child may develop chills along with a moderate fever.
Difficulty Swallowing
A minor sore throat caused by a cold virus will not typically cause difficulty in swallowing. However, strep throat often causes a severe sore throat that hurts when swallowing. If you child refuses to eat or drink due to a very sore throat, he or she should be examined by the doctor to test for strep.
Redness and Inflammation of the Throat and Tonsils
Have a look inside your child's throat. If you notice it seems unusually red and inflamed, it might be due to strep.
White Patches in the Back of the Throat
Strep throat often causes white patches inside the mouth and throat.
Nausea Or Vomiting
A sore throat caused by a cold or flu does not typically cause nausea or vomiting. Strep infections, however, sometimes cause an upset stomach that includes vomiting, especially in children.
4. DON'T Think The Infection Will "Run Its Course" Without Treatment
If your child or teen exhibits the above-mentioned symptoms, it's important that he or she be evaluated by a medical professional. Left untreated, strep throat in children may lead to scarlet fever, kidney disease or rheumatic fever.
Your child's doctor can prescribe a treatment plan once a proper strep diagnosis has been made. This will often include a multiday course of antibiotics which should be taken for the prescribed duration. Inform the doctor if your child has any known allergies to penicillin or other drugs.
For compassionate medical care for your child, rely on the experienced doctors and staff at Valley Pediatric Clinic.