Strep throat is a common bacterial infection responsible for 20-30% of all sore throats in school-aged children. While most kids get strep throat occasionally, some experience repeated infections. As a parent, this can be frustrating, and you may wonder what you can do to help.
At Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics, our experienced pediatricians specialize in treating strep throat. This article explains why recurrent strep throat infections happen and what you can do to help your child stay healthy.
Strep throat is a common infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. When the bacteria enter your child’s mouth through direct contact with infected saliva or exposure to respiratory droplets, they can infect their throat and tonsils, causing significant inflammation.
Strep throat symptoms include:
While many children catch strep throat a few times during childhood, some may experience it more frequently, which can impact their health and prevent them from going to school and spending time with friends.
Many parents wonder why their child seems more prone to strep throat than others. While each situation is unique, several factors may contribute to frequent infections, including:
When your child has strep throat, we prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria and prevent the infection from worsening. However, for antibiotics to work, it’s essential that your child completes the full course of medication.
Sometimes, parents stop giving antibiotics as soon as their child starts feeling better. This can allow the bacteria to multiply again, triggering another infection. To avoid this, make sure your child finishes the entire prescribed course of antibiotics.
Many children spend their days in daycare or classroom settings, where they’re exposed to others who may be sick or carrying strep bacteria. These environments involve regular interactions with others and close contact with objects, like toys, that may carry infected saliva or droplets from coughing and sneezing. Since young children and teens often don’t practice good hand hygiene, the risk of repeat infections increases.
Some children have underlying health conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or asthma, which can weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off viruses and bacteria.
While many of these conditions are chronic, ensuring your child takes their medication as prescribed and regularly practices good hygiene can help prevent strep from becoming a recurrent problem.
If your child or teen regularly catches strep throat, don’t wait to make an appointment with our caring pediatricians. After discussing their symptoms and completing an exam and lab testing, we can make personalized recommendations to reduce the risk of repeated strep infections. Contact Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, today. Call the office or use the online booking feature to make an appointment.
