How do I know if I have Strep Throat?

With school back in full swing kids will start to come home with a sore throat.  When should I be worried about strep?

Strep throat usually looks red with white patches on the tonsils.  There can also be small red/brown spots on the upper soft palate.  Most children have sore throat, stomach ache, headache, and fever.  Some children have fine bumps on their torso ("gooseflesh").  Strep is not usually associated with cough and runny nose.

How accurate is the Rapid Strep test?  The rapid test picks up about 95% of the cases.  If you really feel that it might be strep ask that they send the swab for "culture".  Call the office in about 48 hours for culture results.  If it is positive the office can call in an antibiotic for you.  Common antibiotics that are used are: Amoxicillin (the pink stuff for 10 days), Keflex (Cephalosporin antibiotic for 10 days), or Zithromax (if you are allergic to penicillin and cephalosporin and it is only 5 days).  You can also do one shot of Bicillin but most children are not excited about it.

Summary:
Sore throat with headache, stomach ache, fever, and rash = probably strep
Sore throat with runny nose, cough or sneezing = probably virus or allergies