How Strep Affects Young Children
Three-year-old children can contract strep throat, although it is less common in this age group compared to school-aged children, typically those between 5 and 15 years old. The infection is caused by a specific type of bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also referred to as Group A strep. Recognizing strep in young children can be challenging because their symptoms often differ from the classic sore throat of older children and adults.
Young children may not clearly express throat pain or difficulty swallowing, common in older children. Instead, parents might observe more general signs like increased fussiness, a decrease in appetite, or a mild fever. Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting can also occur. A red, sandpaper-like rash, known as scarlet fever, may also accompany the infection.
Unlike viral infections that often present with a cough or runny nose, these symptoms are absent in cases of strep throat. The throat of a young child with strep might not display the redness or white patches often seen in older children. This variability highlights the importance of medical evaluation when a young child exhibits concerning symptoms, especially with known strep exposure.
Identifying and Treating Strep
Diagnosing strep throat in young children involves a medical evaluation to confirm the presence of strep bacteria. A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination and take a sample from the back of the child’s throat using a cotton swab. The swab is used for a rapid strep test, providing results within minutes.
If the rapid test is negative but strep is still suspected, a throat culture may be sent to a laboratory. While throat cultures offer a higher degree of accuracy, results take one to two days to become available. A confirmed diagnosis is important because strep throat requires antibiotic treatment.
The standard treatment for strep throat involves a 10-day course of antibiotics, commonly penicillin or amoxicillin. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if the child’s symptoms improve earlier. Completing the course ensures bacterial eradication, reducing complication risks and preventing recurrence. Supportive care, including pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen) and adequate hydration, can help manage discomfort.
Protecting Your Child from Strep
Untreated strep throat in young children can lead to serious complications. These include rheumatic fever, an inflammatory condition affecting the heart, joints, brain, and skin. Another complication is post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, inflammation of the kidneys. Prompt and complete antibiotic treatment reduces the likelihood of these outcomes.
Strep throat is contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. It also spreads through direct contact with droplets or contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the mouth or nose. Preventive measures limit bacterial spread.
Encouraging good hand hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water, is effective. Children should also avoid sharing personal items like eating utensils, cups, and drinks. To prevent further transmission, children diagnosed with strep throat should remain home from daycare or preschool until they are no longer contagious, typically 12 to 24 hours after starting antibiotics.