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Strep Throat

Strep Throat

Infections in children can range from mild to severe and are often caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Common infections include respiratory infections (like the common cold, flu, and pneumonia), gastrointestinal infections (such as gastroenteritis), skin infections (like impetigo and ringworm), and ear infections. Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection but can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting, and rash. Treatment may involve rest, fluids, and, in some cases, medications such as antibiotics. Preventive measures include vaccination, good hygiene practices, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. If you’re concerned about your child’s health, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Strep Throat image
Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is highly contagious and is spread through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
Symptoms of strep throat in children can include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, fever, headache, stomachache, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Strep throat is diagnosed through a throat swab. The healthcare provider will swab the back of the child’s throat to collect a sample, which will be tested for the presence of group A Streptococcus bacteria.
Strep throat is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin or amoxicillin. It’s important for the child to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if they start feeling better.
In some cases, untreated strep throat can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever (which can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain), scarlet fever (a strep infection accompanied by a rash), or kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis).
You can help prevent strep throat by encouraging good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and teaching your child not to share food, drinks, or utensils with others.