What it is
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils, most common between ages 5 and 15. Viral sore throats look almost the same, so a swab is the only way to know. Antibiotics shorten the illness, stop it spreading, and prevent rare but serious complications, which is why we test before we treat.
What you might notice
- Sore throat that came on quickly, with pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, or swollen tender glands in the neck
- Headache, stomach ache or vomiting, especially in younger children
- A fine, sandpaper-feeling rash (scarlet fever)
What we can do on video
- Review the symptoms and take a look at the throat on camera
- Order a rapid strep test or culture at a lab or pharmacy near you
- Prescribe antibiotics if the test is positive, usually amoxicillin or penicillin
- Plan for pain and fever, and tell you when they can go back to school
Caring for them at home
- Cold drinks, popsicles and soft foods; warm salt-water gargles for older kids
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen dosed by weight
- Finish the whole antibiotic course even once they feel better
- Replace the toothbrush after a day of antibiotics, and keep cups and utensils separate
Be seen in person if…
- Drooling, or unable to swallow liquids
- Trouble breathing, or breathing that sounds noisy
- Can't open the mouth fully, or the swelling is on one side only
- A stiff neck, or a severe headache
- Signs of dehydration, or fever still present after 48 hours of antibiotics
- Dark urine or puffiness weeks after a strep infection
This information is educational and doesn't replace an evaluation by a clinician. Hugs is not insurance. Treatment is at the discretion of the clinician and limited to what can be safely assessed over video. Reviewed by the clinicians of LPMD Medical Group. Updated 2026-09-17.