Strep throat, a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), is common in school-aged children and teenagers. While it often causes a sore throat, fever, and white patches on the tonsils in older children, parents may wonder if infants can also contract this infection. Babies can indeed get strep throat, though it is less common in the youngest age group. Understanding its unique presentation and medical responses is important for parents.
Susceptibility and Unique Presentation in Infants
Strep throat is less common in infants compared to older children, partly because their immune systems are still developing and they may have received protective antibodies from their mothers. Infants generally have less exposure to the wider community where the bacteria spreads. Despite this, infants can still contract strep throat, often through contact with older siblings or caregivers who carry the bacteria.
When strep throat occurs in infants, symptoms often differ from the classic presentation in older children. Infants may not exhibit the typical sore throat, red throat, or white spots on the tonsils. Instead, signs can be more general, including fussiness, irritability, poor feeding, and fever. Some infants might also develop cold-like symptoms, such as nasal discharge, or a fine, red rash. Swollen glands in the neck can also be an indicator.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Diagnosing strep throat in infants can be challenging due to their atypical symptoms and difficulty in obtaining a throat swab sample. A healthcare provider will examine the infant and may perform a rapid strep test. While rapid tests provide quick results, a negative result may be followed by a throat culture to confirm, as false negatives can occur, particularly in younger patients.
If strep throat is confirmed, antibiotic treatment is necessary. Common antibiotics include penicillin or amoxicillin, often administered as a liquid for infants. Complete the course of antibiotics, even if the infant’s symptoms improve. This helps eliminate the bacteria and reduces the risk of complications. Symptoms begin to resolve within one to two days of starting antibiotics.
Important Considerations for Infant Strep
Untreated strep throat in infants, though rare, can lead to serious complications. The bacteria can spread to other parts of the body, causing conditions such as rheumatic fever, a severe inflammatory condition affecting the heart, joints, and brain. Kidney inflammation, known as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, and abscesses near the tonsils are other uncommon complications.
Parents should seek prompt medical evaluation if an infant shows any concerning symptoms, even if they are not classic strep signs. This includes persistent fever, unusual fussiness, poor feeding, or any unexplained rash. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment prevent these rare complications and ensure a swift recovery.