Tips for Preventing Strep Throat in Children

Strep throat is a common bacterial illness among children, often causing discomfort and disruption in their daily activities. Caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, this infection can spread quickly in schools and daycare settings. Fortunately, parents can implement several effective strategies to help prevent strep throat in their children. Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, P.C. in Atlanta, GA, provides this guide to help parents keep their kids healthy.

6 Tips to Avoid Strep Throat Infections

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that 3 in 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat. While there is no vaccine to prevent strep, here are some essential tips to keep your little ones healthy:

1. Encourage Good Hygiene Practices: Teaching your children the importance of good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of strep throat. Encourage them to:

• Wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals and after playing outside.
• Use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available.
• Avoid touching their faces, especially their mouths and eyes, to minimize the risk of bacteria entering their bodies.

1. Promote the Use of Personal Items: Children must understand that sharing personal items can lead to infections. Remind them to:

• Use their own utensils, cups, and towels.
• Avoid sharing drinks or food with others, particularly at school or during playdates.

1. Keep Your Child’s Environment Clean: Maintaining a clean environment can significantly reduce the risk of infections. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces, such as:

• Doorknobs, light switches and table surfaces.
• Toys and shared play items, especially in daycare or children’s playgroups.

1. Limit Close Contact with Infected Individuals: Strep throat is contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets. To protect your child:

• Avoid close contact with individuals known to have strep throat.
• Educate your child on the importance of keeping a safe distance from someone coughing or sneezing.

1. Boost Immune Health: A strong immune system can help fend off infections. Consider incorporating the following into your child’s routine:

• A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to provide necessary vitamins and minerals.
• Regular physical activity to strengthen their overall health.
• Restful sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune response.

1. Stay Informed and Vigilant: Being aware of the symptoms of strep throat can help you act quickly. Common signs include:

• Sudden sore throat, often accompanied by fever and headache.
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks.

Atlanta GA Pediatric Strep Throat Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing strep throat typically involves a physical examination of your child’s throat and diagnostic testing to confirm the presence of the bacteria. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we offer two reliable testing methods:

1. Rapid Strep Test: This quick test involves swabbing the back of the throat to check for strep bacteria. Results are typically available within minutes.
2. Throat Culture: A throat culture may be performed if the rapid test is negative but strep throat is still suspected. This involves sending a throat swab to a laboratory for more thorough testing, with results typically available in 1-2 days.

Early and accurate diagnosis is key to starting treatment and preventing complications, such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.

If you suspect your child has strep throat, see an Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, P.C. provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can reduce the duration of the illness and minimize the risk of spreading it to others. We have convenient locations in Glenwood Park, Brookhaven and Decatur to serve you.