Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Strep Throat - Brief Version
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is a sore throat caused by bacteria. Your
doctor will test your child for strep throat with a throat
culture or rapid strep test. If your child has strep
throat, your doctor will give your child medicine. With
this medicine, the fever and much of the sore throat are
gone in about 24 hours.
How can I take care of my child?
- Give antibiotics. Your child needs the medicine
prescribed by your physician.
- Help the fever and pain. Children over age 1 can sip
warm chicken broth or apple juice. Children over age 4
can suck on hard candy or lollipops. Give your child
acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for throat pain
or fever over 102ƒF (38.9ƒC).
- Offer soft foods. Give your child soft foods for a few
days.
- Don't spread the infection. Your child cannot spread
strep throat to other people after he has taken the
medicine for 24 hours. Your child can return to school
after 1 day if the fever is gone.
- Get throat cultures for the family. Any child or adult
who lives in your home and feels sick now or in the next
5 days should have a strep throat test. Your physician
will call you if any of the cultures show strep.
Call your child's doctor right away if:
- Your child starts drooling or has great difficulty
swallowing.
- Your child is acting very sick.
Call your child's doctor during office hours if:
- The fever lasts over 48 hours after your child starts
taking an antibiotic.
- You have other questions or concerns.
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