“Mom, my throat hurts.”

It is all too common to hear these four words as the winter weather gets closer. But is their sore throat the result of allergies, a cold, or something more serious like strep throat? While a sore throat is the most common symptom of strep throat, it isn’t the only one. This blog highlights the most common and surprising symptoms of strep throat and when to see the doctor.

Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat: How to Tell the Difference

While a viral sore throat from a cold can be uncomfortable, strep throat is a specific bacterial infection that needs treatment. Here’s a quick guide to help you spot the difference.

Symptoms of Strep Throat often include:

• A sudden and severe sore throat
• Fever, often high-grade (101°F or higher)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Red or white streaks on the tonsils

The Less Obvious But Still Important Symptoms of Strep Throat:

Parents are often surprised to learn that strep can also cause other symptoms that may seem unrelated. Look for gastrointestinal (stomach) issues like stomachache, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, a child may develop a red rash that feels like sandpaper, which is a sign of scarlet fever. If your child is acting fussier than usual or refusing to eat or drink, it could also be a sign that their throat is very painful.

The Key Differentiator: A fun fact to remember is that strep throat does not typically cause a cough. If your child is coughing along with their sore throat, they likely have a cold.

Why a Trip to the Doctor is Important

You can't diagnose strep throat just by looking at the symptoms. To confirm a strep infection, your pediatric provider will need to perform a rapid strep test. This involves a quick swab of the back of your child's throat. The results come back in just a few minutes, so you'll have an answer during your visit.

If the test is positive, your child will be prescribed antibiotics. If it's negative, the sore throat is likely caused by a viral infection, which can't be treated with antibiotics and will just need to run its course.

Treatment and Back to School

As mentioned, if your child's strep test is positive, they will be prescribed antibiotics. It’s crucial that they take the full course of medicine, even if they start feeling better after a day or two. This is the only way to ensure the infection is completely gone and to prevent rare but serious complications.

As for when your child can return to school or daycare, the rule is simple: they must have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and be fever-free. After that, they are no longer contagious and can safely return to their normal activities.
If you have concerns that your child may have strep throat, don't hesitate to give us a call or book a sick visit appointment online.