What to do if i have strep throat

Symptoms of a strep A infection

Common symptoms of strep A include:

• flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body
• sore throat (strep throat or tonsillitis)
• a rash that feels rough, like sandpaper (scarlet fever)
• scabs and sores (impetigo)
• pain and swelling (cellulitis)
• severe muscle aches
• nausea and vomiting

Most strep A infections are not serious and can be treated with antibiotics.

But rarely, the infection can cause serious problems. This is called invasive group A strep (iGAS).

What to do if your child is unwell

It can be difficult to tell when a child is seriously ill, but the main thing is to trust your instincts.

You know better than anyone else what your child is usually like, so you'll know when something is seriously wrong.

If your child does not seem to be seriously ill, you can usually look after them at home. They should feel better in a few days.

If they're uncomfortable, you can give them children's paracetamol or children's ibuprofen. Check the leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child and to see how much to give them.

A pharmacist can give you advice about how to ease your child's symptoms and whether you need to see a doctor.

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Information:

More advice about:

• high temperature in children
• sore throat
• rashes in babies and children

Urgent advice: Get an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

• your child is unwell and is getting worse
• your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
• your child has fewer wet nappies than usual or is peeing less than usual, or shows other signs of dehydration
• your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is 3 to 6 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
• your child is very tired or irritable

It's important to trust your instincts if your child is unwell. Get medical help if you think you need it.

Check symptoms on 111 online (for children aged 5 and over) or call 111 (for children under 5).

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

• your child is having difficulty breathing – they may make grunting noises, or you may notice their tummy sucking under their ribs
• there are pauses when your child breathes
• your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue or grey – on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

Find your nearest A&E

Treatments for a strep A infection

Most strep A infections can be easily treated with antibiotics.

If you or your child has a strep A infection, you should stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after you start taking antibiotics. This will help stop the infection spreading to other people.

Serious strep A infections (invasive group A strep, iGAS) need to be treated in hospital with antibiotics.

How you get strep A infections

Strep A infections are spread by close contact with an infected person. They can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound.

In some people, the bacteria live in the body without causing symptoms or making them feel unwell. But they can still pass the bacteria on to others.

Things that might make you more at risk of strep A infections include:

• a weakened immune system
• open sores or wounds
• some viral infections, such as a cold or flu

Information:

Strep A infections and adults

Adults can get strep A infections but they’re more common in children.

Avoiding close contact with someone you know is infected and things like regular handwashing will help lower your chances of getting a strep A infection.

Strep throat, caused by bacteria, is one type of sore throat that can be treated. It isn't handled in the same way as sore throats caused by colds and other viruses, so your doctor will likely do what’s called a “rapid strep test” to be sure it's strep

If the test is positive (meaning you or your child has it), they’ll probably recommend:

• Antibiotics to kill the bacteria that’s causing it
• Rest to help you get better faster
• Over-the-counter medicines and home remedies to ease symptoms

Antibiotics

This class of drugs is able to kill the group A Streptococcus bacteria that cause strep throat. They will work only on bacteria. They have no effect on sore throats caused by viruses.

Antibiotics can:

• Relieve a sore throat and other symptoms when they are caused by strep
• Help your child get better faster
• Make it less likely it will be spread to others
• Help prevent complications such as sinus and tonsil infections, and more serious things such as rheumatic fever

Doctors most often prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin (Amoxil) to treat strep throat. They are the top choices because they're safer, inexpensive, and they work well on strep bacteria.

Kids or adults who are allergic to penicillin may be able to take one of these antibiotics instead:

• Azithromycin (Zithromax, Zmax, Z-Pak)
• Cephalosporins, including cefixime (Suprax), cefuroxime (Ceftin), and cephalexin (Keflex)
• Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
• Clindamycin (Cleocin)

Your child will take antibiotics by mouth one to three times each day. Sometimes doctors give this medicine as a shot.

Side effects

Antibiotics sometimes cause side effects, such as:

• Stomachache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Appetite loss

Usually these side effects are mild. They should stop once your child finishes the medicine. If they are severe or persist, then call your doctor.

People sometimes have an allergy to antibiotics, though it is rare. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

• Wheezing
• Trouble breathing
• Rash
• Fast heartbeat
• Dizziness

Call your doctor right away if your child has these symptoms.

How long do I take them?

Most antibiotic treatments for strep throat last about 10 days. Kids usually feel better a day or two after they start them. Once they've been on these drugs for about 24 hours, they're no longer contagious and can go back to school.

Even after kids start to feel better, they should finish all their pills. You can leave some bacteria alive if you stop too soon. If strep is not fully treated, it might lead to complications such as:

• Sinus and tonsil infections
• Rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart, brain, and joints
• Kidney problems

When people stop taking antibiotics too soon, the bacteria that cause strep can become resistant to the medication. That means another case of strep would be much harder to control.

Strep Throat Home Care

Until the antibiotics start to work, these home treatments can help you or your child feel better:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to bring down a fever and ease the sore throat. Don't give aspirin to children and teens. It can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
• Rest: Stay home from school or work. You need extra rest to help your body fight off the infection.
• Gargling: Rinse with a mixture of a quarter-teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water to relieve a scratchy throat.
• Lozenges and hard candy: Older kids can suck on these to feel better. Avoid giving small pieces of candy to children 4 and younger.
• Lots of fluids: Do this especially if you have a fever. Water and warm liquids such as soup or tea soothe the throat and keep you hydrated. If cold feels better on your throat, suck on a frozen pop or ice chips. Avoid orange juice, lemonade, and other drinks that are high in acid. These can burn your throat.
• Soft foods: Examples include yogurt, applesauce, or frozen yogurt. They're easier to swallow.
• Cool-mist humidifier or saline nasal spray: Moisture can help make your throat feel better.

Steer clear of anything that might bother your throat, like cigarette smoke, paint fumes, or cleaning products.