Strep Throat

Strep throat

Throat infection or “sore throat” is in most likely due to viruses (almost 90% of the time), bacteria is responsible for around 10% of cases of throat infection or sore throat.

“Strep throat” is throat infection that is caused by bacteria called “streptococci” and on rare occasions, it can lead to serious problems if not treated.

Signs of strep throat include a sore throat, fever, and swollen glands in the neck. Sometimes rash develops with strep throat and the condition is called “scarlet fever”.

Since many viruses can cause the same symptoms as strep, your pediatrician will need to test for strep to be sure your child has it. To do this, we obtain “rapid strep test” or “throat culture” and we prescribe antibiotics if your child does have strep throat. Your child is no longer contagious 24 to 36 hours after antibiotic treatment and should start to feel better.

Make sure your child will finish all the medicine, if you stop treatment too early, the infection may come back or cause other problems.