What are some basics of strep throat?

Question

i've never had it, but found out yesterday that on top of a cold, my son has strep throat. he doesn't seem to be in pain, and he still plays normally, but he tested pos for strep. what are some basics?

Answer 1

It's contagious, and should not be allowed to go to school, or to play with other children.

The pediatrician's office will give the proper antibiotics and you can listen to their advice.

GOD bless.

Answer 2

It's possible to have the bacteria that cause strep in your throat without having a sore throat. Some people are carriers of strep, which means they can pass the bacteria on to others, but the bacteria no longer make them sick.

About ten to twenty percent of people are carriers for strep, meaning that the bacteria lives in the back of their throat without causing infection. And although the strep isn't causing any problems, if you test someone who is a carrier, the test will be positive. The best way to avoid being overtreated with antibiotics when you are a carrier is to avoid being tested when your child doesn't have classic symptoms of strep throat.

In general, signs and symptoms of strep throat include:

Throat pain
Difficulty swallowing
Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
Swollen, tender lymph glands (nodes) in your neck
Fever
Headache
Rash
Stomachache and sometimes vomiting, especially in younger children

Answer 3

Strept throat is an infection that is very common in children and some adults. It shows itself by swelling (which causes pain and difficulty swallowing) in the throat and yellowy white pus spots that can be up to 1/8 in in diameter.

The infection is highly infectious but easily treated, and after starting antibiotics the patient shouldn't be contagious after 24 hours (it is critical to give the full length of the prescription to completely knock out the infection!).

Typically symptoms last between 5-7 days, whether receiving antiobiotics or not. However, if left untreated the infection can cause other problems.

The child should drink and keep his/her throat moist, the dryness gives the bacteria room to hide. Cold drinks will help with any swelling.

Answer 4

Strep throat MUST be addressed by administering antibiotics!!! It will NOT go away on its own and having the Strep in your body can cause serious, irreparable heart damage!

Get him to a Dr. NOW. If the Dr. who tested him for Strep didn't also prescribe an antibiotic they are an idiot and should be turned in to your local AMA.

Answer 5

In addition to making sure he has anitbiotics (he NEEDS them) you also must make sure he takes the ENTIRE course of the medication. Even if he feels better he must finish them. This is true for any antibiotic.

Why?
If not fully killed any bacteria/infection can start to mutate and can become resistant to antibiotics. There is a major problem with this in hospitals (MRSA/VRE). Sorry I know this might be more info than you wanted, but just wanted to educate.

Answer 6

normally, i would say gargling with apple cider vineagar, but dont think you can get your little guy to do that..vitamin c. dont know how old he is, but i take 1,000 mg every 4 hours. i get the chewable kind that tastes like a sweet tart candy. for him, 1/4 of that or 1/2 depending on his size. and get him to drink, drink, and more drink, if he wont drink plain water, make some koolaid, a little less sugar than the package says, or mix juice with water..the more he drinks, the better..ice pops are good and will help soothe the throat too..
good luck

Answer 7

"strep throat" or streptococcal pharyngitis is a throat infection by bacteria of the streptococcus species.

Have a look at the wiki pages

Answer 8

Fever and sore throat with little white puss looking spots at the back of the mouth.