Strep throat, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, is a common bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. While often seen in school-aged children and adults, infants can also contract it, though it is less common in this age group.
How Strep Throat Spreads and Baby Susceptibility
Strep throat primarily spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person’s coughs, sneezes, talks, or laughs. These droplets can be inhaled or transferred through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes. Direct contact, such as sharing cups or utensils, also spreads the infection.
Babies are less likely to contract strep throat due to maternal antibodies offering some protection. Their smaller tonsil size may also hinder bacterial multiplication. When infants do get strep, their symptoms may differ from the classic sore throat seen in older individuals, making diagnosis more challenging.
Recognizing Infant Symptoms and Seeking Medical Care
Identifying strep throat in infants is difficult because they cannot communicate discomfort. Instead of a typical sore throat, babies may show increased fussiness or irritability, poor feeding, and a high or consistent fever. Other signs include thick or bloody nasal discharge, swollen neck lymph nodes, and occasionally a fine, red rash on the body, which can indicate scarlet fever.
If a parent or another household member has been diagnosed with strep throat, or if an infant exhibits these symptoms, consulting a pediatrician promptly is advisable. Diagnosis involves a physical examination and a throat swab to test for Group A Streptococcus bacteria, either through a rapid strep test or a throat culture. If the test is positive, antibiotics, often amoxicillin or penicillin, will be prescribed to eliminate the bacteria and reduce the risk of complications. Completing the entire course of antibiotics is important, even if the baby’s symptoms improve.
Protecting Your Baby from Strep Throat
To minimize strep throat transmission to your baby, especially if a family member is infected, frequent hand washing with soap and water is effective. Avoid sharing eating utensils, cups, or drinks with anyone sick. Encourage infected individuals to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their upper arm to reduce respiratory droplet spread.
Limiting close face-to-face contact with an infected individual until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and are fever-free can also prevent transmission. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces in the home can also reduce bacteria.