How to Tell if Your Child Actually Has Strep Throat.

“Mom, my throat hurts!”

Now what? Sore throats are a common complaint we see at KidMed. They make patients of all ages not want to eat and feel generally grumpy. But are they harmful? And even more, do they require an antibiotic for treatment?

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (the germ that causes strep throat!) is the only bacteria that the infectious disease experts recommend treating with antibiotics. So, the question becomes: who actually has it? And that’s where we come in! 

KidMed Urgent Care offers Abbott ID Now Strep testing. This is a molecular or PCR test to check for the specific Group A strep bacteria that makes our kiddos sick! While most offices have rapid strep tests that catch approximately 86% of cases, these tests boast 98.5% sensitivity. So, a negative test can be trusted as a negative test. Which translates to peace of mind for families.

My child hates that test…can’t we just treat?

Strep swabs are no one’s favorite. But they’re important to protect your child from unnecessary antibiotics and all the risks (and diarrhea!) that come from antibiotic overuse. Fortunately, KidMed clinicians are experienced in working with children and trained to make the throat swabbing process as painless and stress-free as possible. Popsicles are ready on stand-by!

So, what does strep throat look like?

Classically, a child with strep throat has a red throat, swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes and lacks a runny nose. However, children sometimes forget to read the textbook when it comes to illnesses. Younger children often present with just stomach symptoms: ranging from a tummy-ache to recurrent vomiting. Headaches, fevers, and rashes are often seen too. While nasal congestion and cough are more commonly seen with viral infections, they can still accompany a strep throat infection.

So why do we care about strep throat?

If left untreated, 82% of children will recover fully within 1 week which is GREAT news. Unfortunately, 50% will still be contagious 6 weeks later. But the biggest concern (and reason why we test for strep in the first place) is to prevent rheumatic fever. While rare, this strep complication can lead to permanent heart and nervous system damage.

But amoxicillin doesn’t work for my child…

Without dismissing this concern, it is important to note that there has never been an identified strain of group A strep resistant to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics. Now, a child’s mouth and nose aren’t otherwise sterile environments. Sometimes other germs present can make amoxicillin ineffective in which case more broad-spectrum antibiotics may be required. Fortunately, this is rare. Finally, amoxicillin can now be dosed just ONE time per day for strep throat! Fewer battles to pick and dosages to remember.

Why do they keep getting strep?

Common things happen commonly. If your child improves on antibiotics then symptoms return after stopping them, a few things should be considered. Are there other children in the home that have NOT been tested? What about your child’s classmate who sneezed in their direction? Finally, 10% of kids will test positive 14 days after starting antibiotics. A new viral infection could be mistaken for strep if tested again too soon after a previous strep infection.

So, what about strep cultures?

Because our tests are so accurate, we do not typically send confirmatory strep cultures. However, every scenario and patient is individual, so please talk to your provider if you have any concerns.

Can a little sibling get this too?

While infants and toddlers under age 3 are less likely to catch group A strep, more importantly, they are not at risk for rheumatic fever and the more severe strep complications. KidMed does not recommend testing for strep throat under age 2. However, every scenario and patient is individual, so please talk to your provider if you have any specific concerns.

But what about school?

A study published in 2015 showed that children were no longer contagious just 12 hours after starting antibiotics! As long as they wake up fever-free and feeling better, then those munchkins can get back to school in the morning. KidMed keeps a spare bottle of amoxicillin on hand specifically for those late-night doses.

We are here for your sore throat concerns and your child’s urgent health needs!