Strep Throat Treatment for Kids
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection in children that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. At KIDS Urgent Care, our board-certified pediatricians provide rapid strep testing and same-day treatment. Walk in or reserve your time today.
What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. It is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, though it can affect any age group. Unlike sore throats caused by viruses, strep is bacterial and requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications.
Strep spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or shares food or drink. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 5 days after exposure.
Common Signs of Strep Throat in Children
Strep throat often, but not always, causes:
- Sudden onset of sore throat, usually without cold symptoms
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever of 101 F or higher
- Red or swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the front of the neck
- Headache
- Stomachache, nausea, or vomiting, especially in younger children
- Red, sandpaper-like rash (scarlet fever) in some cases
Strep throat does not typically cause runny nose, cough, or hoarseness. If those symptoms are present, the sore throat is more likely caused by a virus.
When to Seek Care
Bring your child in if they have:
- A sore throat that comes on suddenly
- Fever alongside sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- A sore throat lasting more than 48 hours
- A rash appearing with the sore throat
Untreated strep throat can lead to complications including rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart, and peritonsillar abscess. Treating strep with antibiotics significantly reduces these risks.
Treatment Options
Strep throat is treated with antibiotics, most commonly amoxicillin or penicillin
Treatment typically lasts 10 days; completing the full course is important even if symptoms improve early
Children with strep can return to school or childcare 24 hours after starting antibiotics and once they are fever-free
Pain and fever can be managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen (in children over 6 months)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can strep go away without antibiotics?
Symptoms may improve on their own, but antibiotics are recommended to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever, shorten the duration of illness, and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Is strep throat contagious?
Yes. Strep spreads easily through close contact. Children should stay home from school until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and have no fever.
What if my child keeps getting strep?
Recurrent strep infections (typically defined as 7 or more infections in one year, or 5 per year for two consecutive years) may warrant a referral to an ENT specialist to discuss tonsillectomy. Our team can help coordinate that referral.
Can adults in the household get strep from my child?
Yes. Strep is contagious to adults as well. Family members with sore throat symptoms should also be evaluated.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are always welcome. You can also reserve a time online.
Get Your Child Tested and Treated Today
If you suspect your child has strep throat, do not wait. Come to KIDS Urgent Care for rapid testing and same-day treatment.