Strep throat is a common bacterial infection in children.
Symptoms may include:
- Sore throat – usually comes on quickly
- Fever
- Swollen and/or tender lymph nodes in neck
- Painful swallowing
- Red or swollen tonsils
- White patches or streaks of pus on tonsils
- Headache
- Rash
- Body ache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
At Independence and Lee’s Summit Pediatrics, we promptly diagnose and treat strep throat to help your child recover quickly and prevent complications. If your child shows symptoms of strep, we can perform a quick and accurate strep test to confirm the diagnosis. If the test is positive, we will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and reduce the risk of spreading it to others. It’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics – even if your child begins feeling better – to ensure the infection is fully eradicated. We also provide guidance on managing symptoms at home, such as recommending pain relievers for fever and discomfort, and ensuring your child gets plenty of rest and fluids. With proper treatment, most children recover from strep throat within a few days and can return to their normal activities after being on antibiotics for at least 24 hours.