There’s something about kids and sore throats that seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly – or, more accurately, like germs and playgrounds. One minute your child is bouncing off the walls, and the next they’re curled up on the couch refusing to eat even their favorite snacks.
If you’re a parent, knowing the early warning signs of strep throat could mean the difference between a quick recovery and a longer, more miserable week for your little one (and you).
What Exactly Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus. Unlike viral sore throats that usually come with a runny nose or cough, strep is sneakier – and more stubborn. It can spread rapidly through schools, daycares, sports teams, and even your home. And while it can affect anyone, it’s most common in children between 5 and 15.
Early Warning Signs of Strep Throat
So, how do you know if it’s just a cold or something more bacterial and bossy? Here are the most common early warning signs and symptoms of strep throat to watch for in:
- Sudden sore throat: Strep tends to come on quickly, often overnight. If your child wakes up with a sore throat but wasn’t complaining the night before, it’s worth a closer look.
- Pain when swallowing: This goes beyond the typical “scratchy” throat. Swallowing can feel sharp or even burning.
- Red or swollen tonsils: Sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus. Yes, it’s gross. But very telling.
- Fever over 101°F: Unlike viral sore throats, strep usually brings the heat.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Especially those tender glands in the neck.
- Lack of cough: This one throws parents off. A sore throat without a cough is actually more likely to be strep.
Some kids may also complain of a headache, stomachache, or nausea. Younger children might not articulate these symptoms clearly, so keep an eye out for unusual fussiness, reduced appetite, or even a rash (known as scarlet fever if it’s related to strep).
When to Call the Pediatrician
If your child is showing more than one of the early warning signs of strep throat, it’s time to give your pediatrician a call. A simple rapid strep test or throat culture can confirm the diagnosis in minutes.
Early treatment with antibiotics can:
- Reduce symptoms quickly
- Shorten the duration of the illness
- Prevent complications like rheumatic fever
- Make your child non-contagious in 24 to 48 hours
And yes, your child will likely start feeling better within a day or two of starting treatment – but be sure to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if they’re suddenly bouncing off the walls again.
Prevention Tips for Busy Montgomery County Families
Of course, the best way to deal with strep is to try and avoid it altogether. Here are some tried-and-true tips to minimize the risk:
- Teach kids to wash hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing
- Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, or food
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces at home and school
- Keep sick kids home until they’re cleared by the doctor
While strep can be sneaky, being aware of the early warning signs of strep throat helps you take action fast and keep it from spreading through the family like wildfire.
Don’t Ignore the Early Warning Signs of Strep Throat in Montgomery County? Let’s Get Ahead of It
Don’t let strep throat take over your household. If your child is showing signs, especially more than one symptom from our list, it’s time to take the next step.
Call us at 301-279-6750 or book an appointment online with one of our amazing team members. Get fast, effective care for strep and all of life’s little illnesses.
