Sore throats and streptococcal sore throat
(strep throat)

Description
Sore throats are caused by viruses or bacteria. Children do not commonly complain of a sore throat. However, they may have a fever or be reluctant to eat or drink. Children with a sore throat should see a doctor to assess any need for antibiotics. A strep throat is a bacterial infection which can cause fever, sore throat, and oozing and redness of the tonsils and the upper part of the throat. Viral and bacterial throat infections are spread directly by contact with airborne droplets (coughing and sneezing), or indirectly by contaminated hands, tissues, eating utensils, toys or other articles freshly soiled by the nose and throat discharges of an infected person. Scarlet fever is a combination of strep throat and a skin rash (see page 92).


Incubation Period
Usually 1-3 days.


Infectious Period
As long as organisms are being spread by coughing, sneezing etc. Bacterial sore throats last only for about 24 hours after appropriate treatment begins. People with untreated bacterial infections remain infectious as long as they are sick-usually 3-7 days. Viral tonsillitis and sore throats may last several days.


Controlling the Spread of Infection
Send a child with strep throat symptoms to a doctor for assessment and a throat swab culture. Exclude a child diagnosed as having strep throat until appropriate medical treatment is started. Do not exclude a child without symptoms, even if the child has a positive throat culture. Follow good personal cleanliness practices. Cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of soiled tissues after wiping a runny nose. Wash hands carefully. Do not share eating utensils, food or drinking cups. Disinfect toys that infants and toddlers put in their mouths. We do not recommend routine screening of all children and employees in the centre unless there is evidence of an ongoing epidemic as determined by the local health authority or unless strep kidney disease has occurred.


Treatment
Penicillin or other antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor. To prevent potential complications such as rheumatic fever, antibiotics should be continued for 10 days.


Comments

-

Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is intended as a guide only. Wollongong Medical Centre is not liable for any problems that may arise from incorrectly or otherwise applying information found in this website.


Further General Information

The following web site has information on infectious diseases: www.health.nsw.gov.au/infect/ or contact the Division of Population and Planning on 4255-2200.

For information on a large range of medical conditions and problems visit www.mayoclinic.com