A sore throat can make a child feel sad and tired. Many sore throats are caused by a virus. Some are caused by strep, which is a type of bacteria. Strep requires a test and medicine. We will help you see the signs and know what to do. We will also show you how health screenings at Optimal Wellness Pharmacy can help keep your child safe.
What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat happens due to bacteria known as group A streptococcus. It can make the throat sore. It can make swallowing hurt. If strep is not treated, other health problems can start. A test tells us if it is strep. Medicine from a doctor or pharmacist can treat it.
Common Signs to Watch For
Look for these signs in your child:
- A sore throat that starts quickly.
- Pain when swallowing.
- Fever over 101 degrees F.
- Red, swollen tonsils. Sometimes, white spots appear.
- Swollen, tender lumps in the neck.
- Headache or belly pain.
- No runny nose or cough in many cases.
If your child has many of these signs, a test is a good idea.
How Strep Is Different From A Cold
A cold often brings a runny nose, cough, and sneezing. Strep more often has a fever and bad throat pain. Colds usually start slowly. Strep tends to start fast and strong. That difference can help decide if a test is needed.
Why Testing Matters
Testing tells us if the sore throat is from strep bacteria. If it is strep, antibiotics help your child get better faster. Antibiotics can also stop others from getting sick. If it is not strep, antibiotics are not needed. Untreated strep can sometimes cause harm to the heart or kidneys. Those problems are rare. They are serious when they happen. A quick test lowers that risk.
What Happens During a Test?
A strep test is fast and straightforward. A skilled individual uses a swab to make contact with the back of the throat. The swab may feel a bit ticklish. A rapid test often gives results in minutes. If the rapid test is not clear, a lab test may be sent. Lab tests take longer but are very accurate. They also help the health team make the right choice for care.
When to Call For Help
Call your health provider or go to a testing place when:
- Your child has a high fever and a sore throat.
- The sore throat started suddenly and is very severe.
- Your child is drooling or cannot swallow.
- Your child looks very ill or is not acting normally.
- Someone close has strep throat.
If you are not sure, ask for advice soon. It is better to check than to wait.
How Optimal Wellness Pharmacy Can Help
Optimal Wellness Pharmacy offers health screenings and care services for families. We provide:
- Health screenings to check for common sicknesses.
- Immunizations protect your child from some infections.
- Travel Health Services for trips that need extra vaccines or tips.
- Chronic Care Management for kids with long-term health needs.
- Compounding for Family & Pet when special medicine forms are needed.
Our team has caring health workers like Dr. Katherine and Diep-Kwei. We partner with your doctor to guarantee your child receives the proper care. If testing or a quick check is needed, we can help point you to the best options.
Simple Home Care Tips
You can support your child in feeling better at home:
- Give plenty of fluids. Warm drinks can soothe the throat.
- Offer soft foods like soup, yogurt, and applesauce.
- Use a cool mist humidifier if the air is dry.
- Encourage rest. Sleep helps the body fight germs.
- Use fever medicine for temperatures over 101 degrees F. Give the medication according to your child’s age and weight. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions.
Do not give antibiotics unless a test or a doctor says they are needed.
What Parents Should Know About Antibiotics
Antibiotics only work for bacteria. They do not help colds that come from viruses. Unnecessary use of antibiotics can cause adverse effects. It can also make antibiotics less useful later. That is why testing before treatment is essential.
If antibiotics are given for strep, provide the whole course. Finish all the medicine, even if your child feels better.
Conclusion
A sore throat can make any parent worried. Testing can make that worry easier to handle. It tells you if your child needs antibiotics or just rest and home care. Optimal Wellness Pharmacy offers health screenings and support to help you make the right choice. If you think your child might have strep, contact your health provider or visit a local screening place. Quick testing keeps your child safer and helps stop the spread to other kids.
If you want help finding a test or need advice about symptoms, our team at Optimal Wellness Pharmacy is ready to help.
FAQs
Q. How fast are the test results?
A quick test can give answers in minutes. Sometimes a lab test is sent, and that takes longer.
Q. How will I know if my child has strep?
Look for a fast, bad sore throat, fever, swollen neck lumps, and no runny nose. If many of these show up, testing helps.
No comment