Is Your Child’s Sore Throat Actually Strep? Know These 5 Signs
Sore throats are one of the most common reasons parents bring their children in. Most sore throats are viral — they run their course without antibiotics and resolve within a week. But strep throat, caused by Group A Streptococcus, is a bacterial infection that does require treatment. Knowing the difference matters.
5 Signs That Point Toward Strep
- Sudden onset of severe throat pain — strep tends to hit fast, not gradually
- Fever of 101°F or higher
- Red, swollen tonsils — often with white patches or streaks of pus
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the front of the neck
- No cough — a cough is more typical of a viral illness; its absence alongside the above symptoms increases suspicion for strep
Signs That Point Away From Strep
If your child has a runny nose, cough, hoarseness, or red watery eyes alongside a sore throat, a virus is far more likely. Strep typically presents without these classic cold symptoms.
Why Treatment Matters
Untreated strep throat can lead to complications including rheumatic fever (which can damage the heart), kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis), and peritonsillar abscess. A rapid strep test takes minutes and provides a clear answer — don’t wait it out if the signs above are present.
Strep is highly contagious. Children should stay home from school until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and are fever-free.
Strep concerns? We offer same-day sick visits and telehealth. Call (702) 457-5437 or visit our walk-in clinic.
