Overview

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a sudden, severe sore throat. Antibiotics are used to treat strep throat and prevent rare but serious complications. Your child should feel better in a few days.

Your child can spread strep throat to others until 24 hours after your child starts taking antibiotics. Keep your child out of school or daycare until 1 full day after they start taking antibiotics.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Give your child antibiotics as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Keep your child at home and away from other people for 24 hours after starting the antibiotics. Wash your hands and your child's hands often. Keep drinking glasses and eating utensils separate, and wash these items well in hot, soapy water.
• Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever or pain. Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 18. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Have your child drink lots of water. Frozen ice treats, ice cream, and sherbet also can make your child's throat feel better.
• Soft foods, such as scrambled eggs and gelatin dessert, may be easier for your child to eat.
• Make sure your child gets lots of rest.
• Keep your child away from smoke. Smoke irritates the throat.
• Place a cool-mist humidifier by your child's bed or close to your child. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.