Symptoms
The most common symptoms of strep throat in children include:
- Sore throat: This is the most common symptom and it can be severe, making it difficult for the child to swallow.
- Fever: A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is common with strep throat.
- Swollen tonsils: The tonsils may appear red and swollen, with white or yellow spots on them.
- Enlarged lymph nodes: The lymph nodes in the neck may be swollen and tender to the touch.
- Headache, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and rashes may also be present.
Causes
Strep throat is caused by a specific type of bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes. The infection is spread through close contact with an infected person, through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching a surface or object that has the bacteria on it.