Arvada Location
8030 Lee Drive ● Arvada, CO 80005
T 303.421.6873 F 303.421.9922
Broomfield Location
3830 W. 121st Place ● Broomfield, CO 80020
T 303.410.8041 F 303.410.8044
www.arvadapeds.com
STREP THROAT INFECTION:
(Group A Strep)
DEFINITION
Your child has a strep throat infection if the diagnosis is confirmed by a throat culture or
rapid strep test. A rapid strep test result can be obtained in the office. This result is
usually 90% accurate: however, all negative rapid tests are sent out for 72-hour culture.
We will call you only if the culture comes back positive. The treatment of strep throat can
prevent a rare but serious complication, called rheumatic fever (heart disease). In
addition, treatment usually eliminates the fever and much of the sore throat within 24
hours. Strep Throat can be accompanied by any of the following: fever, nausea,
vomiting, stomachache, sores, tender glands in the neck, headache and a sandpapery or
welty rash. It is generally not accompanied by a cough or congestion.
HOME TREATMENT
Antibiotics:
Try not to forget any doses. If the medicine is a liquid, and if refrigeration is required,
store the antibiotic in the refrigerator and use a measuring spoon to be sure that you give
the right amount. Give the medicine until all the pills are gone or the bottle is empty.
Even though your child will feel better in a few days, give the antibiotic for 10 days to
keep the strep throat from flaring up.
A long-acting penicillin (Bicillin) injection can be given if your child refuses oral
medicines or if it will be impossible for you to give the oral medicine regularly.
(Note: If given correctly, the oral antibiotic works just as rapidly and effectively as a
shot.)
Local Pain Relief: Children over age 1 can sip warm chicken broth or warm apple juice.
Children over age 4 can suck on hard candy or lollipops. Children over age 5 can gargle
with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt per glass). Occasionally cold items work
better such as popsicles, slushes and milkshakes.
Soft Diet: Since swollen tonsils can make some foods hard to swallow, provide your
child with a soft diet for a few days.
Fever: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be given if your child has a fever over 101.5°F
(39°C) or a great deal of throat discomfort.
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Contagiousness: Your child is no longer contagious after he or she has taken the
antibiotic for 24 hours. Therefore your child can return to school after 1 day if the fever is
gone.
Throat Cultures for the Family: Strep throat can spread to others in the family. Any
child or adult who lives in your home and has a fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, or
sores; doesn't want to eat; or develops these symptoms in the next 5 days should be
brought in for an office visit. In most homes we need to culture only those who are sick.
We will call you if any of these cultures are positive for strep infection.
(Exception: In families where relatives have had rheumatic fever or frequent strep
infections, everyone should come in for a throat culture.)
Follow-up Visit. Repeat cultures are unnecessary if your child receives all of the
antibiotic.
CALL OUR OFFICE
IMMEDIATELY if
•Your child develops drooling.
•Your child develops great difficulty with swallowing
•Your child is acting very sick.
Within 24 hours if
•The fever lasts over 48 hours after starting an antibiotic.
•You have other questions or concerns.
(Rev. 12/13)
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