Just when we thought we were leaving sick season behind, the sore throats started popping up again. Between spring sports, school events, and kids somehow still sharing everything, strep throat is definitely still making its rounds, even in warmer weather.
As moms, it can be hard to know when a sore throat is “just a virus” or something that needs medical attention. So, Essex County Moms sat down with Concierge Pediatrics in Short Hills, to learn more about strep throat, what parents should actually look out for, and why strep doesn’t really discriminate based on the season.
Here’s what we learned:
First Things First – What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. It’s caused by something called Group A Streptococcus bacteria (aka “strep”). While sore throats are super common in kids, not every sore throat is actually strep. In fact, most sore throats are caused by viruses — especially in younger children.
According to Concierge Pediatrics, strep throat is most common in children ages 5–15 and is actually pretty rare in babies and toddlers under 2–3 years old.
Common Signs of Strep Throat
Some of the biggest signs parents should watch for include:
- Red, swollen tonsils
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Swollen glands in the neck
- White patches on the tonsils
- Stomach pain
- Bad breath
- Sore throat without coughing or cold symptoms
One thing many parents don’t realize? Strep can sometimes also cause a bright red rash and “strawberry tongue,” known as Scarlet Fever. While the name sounds scary, it’s very treatable today with antibiotics.
How Is Strep Diagnosed?
The only way to truly know if it’s strep is through a throat swab test. Most pediatricians will perform a rapid strep test first, and if needed, send a throat culture to the lab for confirmation.
At Concierge Pediatrics, all strep testing is done in-house, including throat cultures, which helps families get answers quickly.
Is Strep Contagious?
Unfortunately… yes.
Strep spreads through respiratory droplets, meaning kids can pass it through coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks, utensils, or just being in close contact with one another.
The tricky part? Symptoms usually don’t show up until 2–5 days after exposure.
Why Antibiotics Matter
If your child tests positive for strep, antibiotics are important. Not only do they help kids feel better faster, but they also help prevent rare but serious complications that can affect the heart or kidneys if strep goes untreated.
The good news? Most children start feeling much better within a day or two after starting antibiotics.
Concierge Pediatrics also stressed the importance of finishing the entire antibiotic course, even if your child seems back to normal after a few days.
Helpful Ways to Ease Symptoms at Home
Along with antibiotics, there are plenty of ways to help kids feel more comfortable at home:
- Warm saltwater gargles
- Popsicles, soup, or warm tea
- Tylenol or Motrin for fever/pain
- Soft foods
- Lots of fluids and rest
And yes — Greek yogurt can actually help reduce some antibiotic-related tummy issues thanks to the probiotics.
Can Kids Get Strep More Than Once?
Sadly, yes. Some kids seem to get strep over and over again. In certain cases, children can even become “strep carriers,” meaning they carry the bacteria without always showing symptoms.
If your child is getting frequent strep infections every year, it may be worth discussing further evaluation with your pediatrician or an ENT specialist.
What About PANDAS?
Many parents have heard conversations about PANDAS online and in parenting groups. Concierge Pediatrics explained that PANDAS is considered a rare condition where a child’s immune system may react to a strep infection with sudden behavioral or neurological symptoms like OCD tendencies, anxiety, or tics.
It’s still an area that requires more research, and parents are encouraged to speak directly with their pediatrician if they ever have concerns.
The Bottom Line
As moms, it’s easy to assume strep is just a winter illness, but the reality is — it can show up any time of year. Knowing the signs, trusting your instincts, and having a pediatrician you trust can make all the difference.
A huge thank you to Concierge Pediatrics for sitting down with Essex County Moms and helping break this all down in a way that actually makes sense for parents navigating sick kids, busy schedules, and everything in between.
Because if there’s one thing moms know… germs don’t take a season off.