- Infection of the throat caused by group A Streptococcus (strep) bacteria.
- Many carry the strep bacteria in their nose and throat, without signs of illness.
- Only about 15% of children who have a sore throat and fever have strep throat.
Signs and Symptoms
- Children often have sudden onset of fever
- Red, sore throat and white patches on the tonsils
- Stomach ache and nausea
- Headache
- Swollen glands in neck
- Muscle/joint pain
Spread
- Spread by direct contact with the saliva or nasal discharge of an infected person.
- Can also be spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes.
Treatment
- There are antibiotics to treat strep throat
- Drink soothing drinks, and eat soft foods for comfort
Prevention
- Teach your child to wash their hands with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing or wiping their nose and before eating or preparing food.
- Teach your child to cover his/her mouth when sneezing or coughing, and not to share food, drink, or eating utensils.
A child should be excluded from daycare/school until 24 hours after antibiotics are started.
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