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How do you know you have strep throat versus a sore throat?
Signs and symptoms of strep throat are very similar to an ordinary sore throat, but in general strep throat has: White patches on the tonsils or back of the throat. Just a sore throat without cough/cold symptoms like a runny nose or congestion. Swollen lymph nodes (right below the earlobes)
How does a child get strep throat?
The strep bacteria hang out in the nose and throat. When the infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, the germs go into the air. The germs are then breathed in or caught by touching something that the germs are on (contaminated). Strep throat is most common in school age children but anyone can be infected with strep.
Does strep throat go away on its own?
These kinds of sore throats usually go away on their own in 4 to 5 days. If you have strep throat—which is caused by bacteria—your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, such as penicillin. But strep throat goes away on its own in 3 to 7 days with or without antibiotics.
What can you give a child for a sore throat?
Here are some ways kids can relieve sore throat pain:
- sip warm liquids.
- eat cold or frozen liquids (such as ice pops)
- gargle with saltwater.
- suck on hard candy or throat lozenges (for kids age 4 or older)
- take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed.
What helps a child with a sore throat?
Is a dry cough a symptom of strep throat?
Note that coughing isn’t usually a sign of strep throat and is more likely a symptom of a viral infection….Symptom comparison.
| Cold (viral infection) | Strep (bacterial infection) |
|---|---|
| cough | swollen lymph nodes |
| nasal congestion | pain when swallowing |
| headache | fever |
When do you know if your child has strep throat?
If your child gets a sore throat and you know that he or she is a strep carrier, the doctor will treat it like a virus. A child with strep throat, may have some or all of these symptoms: A red rash on the body that “feels like sandpaper.” It may appear 12 to 48 hours after the first symptoms. This is known as scarlet fever or scarlatina.
What are the symptoms of a sore throat in a child?
Sore throat symptoms If your child’s sore throat is caused by the common cold, she’s likely to have a runny nose, cough and possibly sore ears, along with a fever, tiredness and a poor appetite. If the cause is flu, your child might also have aches and pains.
How long does it take for strep throat test?
Two cotton-tipped swabs will be swiped over the back of the throat and tonsils. This should not hurt but may cause your child to gag. The lab will do one or more tests on the sample. Rapid strep test screen (rapid antigen test): The test usually takes up to half an hour.
Can a sore throat be a sign of strep throat?
Pain during swallowing or pressing on the neck glands or having pain during coughing usually is not strep throat. No other symptoms besides sore throat and fever – strep throat usually does not cause multiple symptoms such as runny nose, cough and congestion. If you have multiple symptoms, it is less likely to be strep.