Strep throat

How is strep throat in children treated?

• Strep throatis usually treated with antibiotics. The most commonly used antibiotics are amoxicillin and penicillin but others are sometimes used, especially when the child has an allergy to one of them.

• A child isn’t considered contagious after they have been on antibiotic treatment for twenty-four hours. The fever that occurs along with strep throat should go away two to three days after starting treatment. The sore throat usually stops a few days after that. 

• Although symptoms of strep might go away after a few days, it’s important to finish the entire course of medication to prevent other infections, such as rheumatic fever, from occurring.

In addition to taking the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor, your child may also benefit from the following home remedies:

• Acetaminophen/ ibuprofen (for pain or body aches)
• Increased fluid intake
• Throat lozenges
• Gargling with saltwater

Preventing strep throat in children

Avoiding the spread of bacteria is the best way to prevent infection. Here are some simple precautions children should follow if they have strep throat:

• Stay home from school for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics to make sure they are no longer contagious.

• Do not share food, utensils, plates or cups. All dishes should be washed in hot, soapy water to kill bacteria.

• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your use your elbow to block drops of fluid from spreading to somebody else.

•  Wash hands often, especially after coughing and sneezing.