What is strep throat?
Strep throat is an infection caused by a bacteria (germ) called Group A Streptococcus. Strep throat is more common in children than adults. The germ can advance and cause scarlet fever.

What are the symptoms?
Children with strep throat usually have a very sore throat, headache, swollen and tender neck nodes, and a fever. They may also complain of headache, nausea or a sore stomach.

Children with scarlet fever usually get a red rash all over their body. It looks like a sunburn and feels like sandpaper. They can also have a sore throat, a fever above 38.3º C (101° F), swollen glands in the neck, chills, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

How do children get strep throat?
It is spread by direct and indirect contact.

Direct contact: when someone comes into contact with an infected person’s saliva (spit), nose or sore on the skin.

Indirect contact: when germs in the nose and throat of an infected person spread through the air—as droplets from coughs or sneezes.

How is it diagnosed?
It is impossible for doctors to diagnose strep throat just by looking at your child’s throat. Your doctor will have to take a throat swab. That means collecting a bit of fluid from the back and sides of your child’s throat, using a long cotton swab. The fluid is then tested for the strep germ. The same test is done to diagnose scarlet fever.

How is it treated?
Although the illness usually gets better without treatment, some children can get complications if they are not treated. Children get better faster when treated with an antibiotic. Your doctor will decide if an antibiotic is needed.

What can parents do?
If you think your child might have strep throat or scarlet fever, see your doctor.

If your child has strep throat or scarlet fever:

• Washing your hands and your child’s hands is the best thing that you can do to stop the spread of germs.
• Teach your child to cover his mouth with a tissue or with his sleeve or elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• If your child has fever, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and fluids.
• Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat.
• Keep your child home from child care or school until she has taken the antibiotic for at least one full day.
• Your child should take all the medication prescribed by the doctor, even if the signs of illness have gone away.

Source: Well Beings: A Guide to Health in Child Care (3rd edition, 2008)

Updated: October 2008