Two different germs cause sore throats – viruses and bacteria. When a sore throat comes on fast, it may be caused by the bacteria streptococci (strep-tuh-kaak-sai), or strep. Strep throat is most common in school-age children, but anyone can get it.
SymptomsA child with strep throat may any of these symptoms:
When a child has a cough, hoarseness, red eyes and runny nose, it may be due to a virus, the flu or a different illness rather than strep. DiagnosisThe doctor or health care provider will examine your child, ask about signs and symptoms, and test for strep.
Treatment with Antibiotics
How to Care For Your ChildThere are things you can do to help your child feel better.
How to Protect Others
When to Call the Doctor or Health Care ProviderCall your child’s doctor or health care provider if they have started taking antibiotics and they:
Strep Throat - Bacterial (PDF), Somali (PDF), Spanish (PDF) HH-I-122 ©11/1989, revised 8/22 Nationwide Children’s Hospital You Might Also Be Interested In
Can strep turn into pneumonia?When the bacteria that cause strep throat move into the lungs, this can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is when the air sacs in one or both lungs are inflamed. The air sacs can fill with fluid or pus, making breathing laborious.
Can strep throat be misdiagnosed for something else?Sometimes viral illnesses cause a sore throat that may be mistaken for strep throat. These include common cold viruses, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), influenza (the "flu"), croup, mononucleosis (“mono”), measles, and chickenpox.
Which of the following diseases can develop following a strep throat infection?Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis: All You Need to Know. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (gloe-mer-u-low-nuh-FRY-tis) — or PSGN — is a rare kidney disease that can develop after group A strep infections.
What complications can arise when strep throat is not treated promptly?Left untreated, strep throat can lead to kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever, a serious illness that can cause stroke and permanent damage to the heart. Fortunately, strep throat can be easily diagnosed with a simple throat culture, and promptly treated with a course of antibiotics.
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