Strep Throat

What is Strep throat?

Strep throat is an infection by bacteria called streptococcus pyogenes, a group A

streptococcus.  Symptoms include severe sore throat, fever, and red, inflamed

throat.  White or red patches, pus, or swollen tonsils can sometimes be seen in the

throat.

Who gets Strep throat?

Strep throat is most common in school age children and teens, but can also occur in

adults and preschool children.  It is very contagious.  The bacteria, which is

present in the nose and throat, is spread from sneezing, coughing, or talking.

Strep can also be spread by handling objects touched by an infected person, such as

books and toys.  Hand washing is essential to prevent the spread of infection.

When should I see my Doctor?

Most sore throats are caused by a virus, and will resolve on their own, but a sore

throat accompanied by other symptoms should be evaluated by your doctor.  Your

doctor will do a rapid strep test in the office.  This is done by taking a swab of

your throat, and the test can be completed in just a few minutes.  A positive test

means that you have strep throat.  There is a chance of false negative results with

the rapid strep test, so your doctor will usually send a swab to a laboratory as

well for a more detailed testing.  This will provide results in 24-48 hours.

Treatment for Strep Throat

Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to treat your strep throat infection.  Be

sure to tell your doctor about any allergies or reaction to antibiotics in the past,

and any other medications your child may be taking.  Most antibiotics are to be

given for 10 days.  It is very important that the antibiotic be given for the entire

prescribed time, or the infection could come back.  It is important to drink plenty

of fluids, especially if a fever has been present.  Strep throat can be very

painful.  Pain can be treated with over the counter acetaminophen (Tylenol), or

ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).  Throat lozenges or gargling with warm salty water may

also provide benefit.  Always check with the doctor if you are unsure of the dose of

pain medications, and never give aspirin to a child.

How can I prevent spreading Strep Throat?

Your child should stay home from school or daycare until the antibiotic has been

given for at least 24 hours.  Be sure to replace or sterilize items such as

toothbrushes, retainers, pacifiers, etc.  Washing bedding is also recommended.  Your

family should not share toothbrushes, glasses or silverware, or other potentially

infectious items.

River’s Edge Pediatrics Inc., 100 N High St. Suite A, Dublin, Ohio 43016.

614-889-7772

FLU FACTS

* Influenza, or “the flu” is an acute respiratory illness that occurs primarily 
in the winter months. The peak flu season in the northern hemisphere is November 
through March.

* Influenza is caused by a virus.  It can sometimes be confused with the common cold,
 also caused by a virus.  Some people also confuse influenza with the “stomach flu”,
 consisting of gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.  
The stomach flu is different than influenza, which is a respiratory virus.

* Symptoms usually occur 2-3 days after exposure to the influenza virus. Symptoms 
include a high grade fever (up to 104°), chills, muscle aches, sore throat, dry 
cough, and just plain feeling sick (also called malaise).  These symptoms commonly 
last 3-4 days but some can linger for up to 2-4 weeks.  In infants, symptoms may 
also include lethargy, fussiness, and poor feeding.

* Influenza is very contagious, and commonly spreads among family members and in 
schools and day care centers.  Children with influenza should stay home until the
 fever has resolved.  Hand-washing is always very helpful to prevent the spread of
 infection.

* Your doctor can do a diagnostic test in the office to determine if your child has
 influenza.  A swab is taken from the nose, and the results are available in just a 
few minutes.

* Antibiotics are not helpful in treating influenza because it is caused by a virus,
 not a bacteria.  Your doctor may prescribe a medication called Tamiflu that can 
shorten the duration of the illness.  For Tamiflu to be effective, influenza must 
be diagnosed within 48 hours.

* Influenza will resolve on it’s own over time.  Treatment should include rest and 
plenty of fluids.  Fever and discomfort can be treated symptomatically with 
acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).  Consult with your doctor 
or pharmacist if you are unsure of the proper dosage for your child.

* You should return to the doctor if your child’s symptoms significantly worsen 
or fail to improve after one week.  Further follow up may be needed.

* Influenza vaccinations are available annually in the fall and should be 
considered especially for children at high risk for respiratory illness such 
as those with asthma.

River’s Edge Pediatrics, Inc. 100 N High Street Suite A, Dublin, Ohio 43316. 
614-889-7772