If your baby feels irritated, is fussy during feeding, and has a mild fever, they might have a strep infection. Strep throat is not a very commonly occurring infection in babies, but sometimes babies can encounter the bacteria that cause this infection. Also, the signs and symptoms of strep in babies usually appear as cold, fever, and feeding issues. This is why it can be difficult to assess whether or not your baby has strep.
With all the concerns in mind, we’ll explain below the causes, signs & symptoms, and treatment of strep throat in babies. This will help in early detection so that you can get the necessary treatment and help your baby feel better quickly.
In This Article
- What is Strep Throat?
- Causes of Strep Throat in Babies
- Symptoms of Strep Throat in Babies
- How is Strep Throat Diagnosed in Babies?
- Treatment Options For Strep Throat in Babies
- How to Protect Your Baby Against Strep Throat?
- When Should You Consider Seeing a Doctor?
- FAQ’s
What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is an infection which happens due to a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes. This condition can lead to symptoms like tonsil inflammation, sore throat, scratchy throat, mild fever, and rashes. Sometimes, this bacterial infection resembles a throat infection.
Strep throat can happen to anyone and lead to severe infection and a cycle of symptoms. It can be treated with antibiotics. But make sure to take proper guidance from a certified pediatrician.
Causes of Strep Throat in Babies
Strep throat in babies generally happens due to Streptococcus bacteria (Group A). It is mostly transmitted to babies through sneezing and cough droplets. They can also contract it by touching contaminated surfaces.
[Read : Baby Sneezing]
Symptoms of Strep Throat in Babies
The signs and symptoms of strep throat in babies are
- Low-grade fever
- Poor appetite
- Fussiness
- Irritability
- Poor Feeding
How is Strep Throat Diagnosed in Babies?
Since chances of strep throat in babies are very rare, there is no testing done for them. Strep in babies can be easily confused with sore throat due to similar symptoms. So, if you notice any symptoms in your infant which are worrying, it is always better to consult the pediatrician.
The doctor will check and assess whether your baby has strep or not and will advise further on the treatment etc. But do note that although strep is treated through antibiotics, in babies, antibiotics are generally not prescribed.
Treatment Options For Strep Throat in Babies
Strep is treated through antibiotics like penicillin and amoxicillin. But, even if an infant is diagnosed with strep, the doctor may not prescribe antibiotics for him/her. But they may give medicines for tackling the fever in babies. Be sure to give only the medicine given by the doctor and in the prescribed dose only. Never ever give any medicine to your baby on your own or on someone else’s recommendation.
How to Protect Your Baby Against Strep Throat?
Here are a few preventive measures that you can take to help protect your baby from strep
1. Wash Your Hands Frequently
Before you feed your baby and touch them with your hands, make sure to wash your hands. You can also tell family members and others to clean their hands before touching the baby.
2. Cover Nose and Mouth When Coughing and Sneezing
Babies catch this infection through droplets left in the air after sneezing and coughing. Therefore, it is always a good practice to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or mask or crook of your elbow when around babies. Also, make sure to discard the used tissue into the dustbin. If your toddler has a strep, do guide them to do the same around the infant.
[Read : Cough in Babies]
3. Do Not Share Utensils or Cups With Your Baby
If you have come in contact with utensils or cups used by an infected person, there are chances of you passing on that infection to your baby. Hence, it is better to avoid sharing or touching any such contaminated item which may end up causing strep in your baby.
When Should You Consider Seeing a Doctor?
Although cases of strep throat in babies are very rare, still it is better to pay attention if your baby seems unwell. Call the doctor immediately if you notice any worrying symptoms such as
- Persistent fever which is not going away despite medication
- Any rash on the body
- Dehydration
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
- Trouble in breathing
- Stiffness in baby’s neck
For babies, dehydration can be ascertained by keeping a tab on their urination frequency. If you are changing less than 6 wet diapers in a day, that means the baby is getting dehydrated. Excessive drooling may indicate that the baby is finding it difficult to swallow the feed. This can be a sign of sore throat.
Strep throat in babies occurs rarely. If by chance your baby is diagnosed with strep throat, follow the course of treatment prescribed by the doctor and take necessary preventive measures. Also, be vigilant and keep monitoring the baby’s symptoms and condition continually. If required, don’t hesitate to visit the pediatrician.
[Read : Tonsillitis In Children]
FAQ’s
1. What is the Difference Between a Sore Throat, Tonsillitis, and Strep Throat?
Sore throat generally happens due to a viral infection. It causes inflammation in the throat region and around the tonsils. It usually doesn’t require medicinal treatment and is cured within 7-10 days. Sometimes, a sore throat may be accompanied by a fever.
Tonsillitis happens due to bacterial or viral infection. In this condition, tonsils become swollen and enlarged and may also become red in some cases. Tonsillitis often results in a sore throat and causes difficulty in swallowing. If tonsillitis happens due to a bacterial infection, then the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic treatment to treat the condition.
Strep throat on the other hand is an infection caused due to Streptococcus pyogenes. A sore throat is a common symptom in strep. Strep symptoms in babies differ from those in toddlers, bigger kids and adults. While strep is rare in babies, for toddlers and older kids doctors may give antibiotic treatment to cure them of infection.
2. Will Strep go Away on Its Own?
Strep usually goes away after 3-7 days without antibiotic treatment. However, if the strep throat gets severe, it would be great to take proper treatment to reduce the risk of complications like rheumatic fever.
3. Can Babies Get Strep Throat From Mothers?
Group A Streptococcus doesn’t pass from mother to baby. However, Group B Strep can pass from a pregnant mother to an infant. It can develop into a serious illness.
4. Is Strep Throat Airborne?
Ideally, strep throat is a form of contagious disease which can be transmitted through airborne droplets spread into the air after sneezing or coughing. Babies may catch this infection either by inhaling droplets or through the mouth with infected food.
Read Also: Sore Throat in Babies – Causes, Signs and Treatment
