Nearly 300 million kids aged between 5 and 14 suffer from strep throat every year, and it’s a disease with a rate of infection that’s rising in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that usually requires antibiotic therapy to relieve and prevent more serious complications. Nurse practitioner Miranda S. Kerley and her team at K&M Care specialize in testing and treating strep throat.
Some children are subject to repeated strep throat infections. As a parent, you must know how to recognize the condition and when to seek additional care.
The pathogen behind the infection is streptococcus pyogenes, commonly called group A streptococcus. Strep A bacteria settle in the throat and tonsils, causing severe sore throat symptoms often accompanied by fever, inflammation, and pain that worsens when swallowing.
Strep throat spreads easily between people through airborne droplets emitted when coughing, sneezing, or speaking. These droplets can also survive away from the body, so they may become infected by touching contaminated surfaces.
Strep throat can affect people of any age, though it’s more common in children. Close contact with others in school, daycare, or extracurricular activities like sports and clubs can be a breeding ground for strep that overwhelms developing immune systems.
Strep throat infections are usually easily treatable with antibiotics. Without treatment, symptoms last longer and, in some cases, can lead to more serious conditions, including kidney inflammation and scarlet fever.
Most strep infections clear up after a course of antibiotics. In some cases, kids suffer from repeated or recurrent infections. These can happen due to the following reasons:
Antibiotics provide fast relief for strep throat. Your child may feel better within a day or two. However, low levels of bacteria may still be active, so it’s crucial to finish the entire course of the antibiotic prescription, even if no symptoms are present.
Stopping the prescription early can lead to new symptoms caused by the original bacteria, creating the impression of a new or recurring infection.
Children with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable to reinfection. Others have anatomical problems, such as enlarged tonsils or sinus issues, which make it easier for bacteria to hide and grow.
The risk of reinfection is high for children routinely exposed to pathogens at school, during play, and in other day-to-day situations. Many children may not wash their hands regularly or thoroughly, increasing the chance of reinfection.
At the first sign of recurring strep throat infection, contact K & M Care for testing. Typically, another course of antibiotics, perhaps a different prescription, will clear the condition.
Once again, taking this prescription as directed is important until all pills are used. Strep throat is highly contagious, so keep your child home from school and other activities until they are no longer infectious.
Review ways that your child can protect themselves from reinfection. Explain the importance of sneezing or coughing into a tissue or their elbow, not their hands. Revisit hand washing techniques and timing. If their school allows, bring hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes in their backpack.
Contact K & M Care at the first sign of a strep throat infection. Call or click to book your visit now.
