Diagnosis
Diagnosing strep throat typically involves the use of a throat swab by doctors. However, it is important to note that throat swabs are generally not used for children under the age of three, unless there is confirmed exposure to someone who has tested positive for strep throat. This cautious approach is followed by most medical experts due to various reasons, one being the rarity of strep throat in infants.
Treatment for Strep Throat
When it comes to treating strep throat, the usual method is to prescribe antibiotics. However, it is important to note that strep throat is not commonly found in infants, as most cases of sore throat in this age group are caused by factors other than bacterial infections. On the other hand, older children are more prone to experiencing significant complications from strep throat, such as acute rheumatic fever. It is worth mentioning that these complications rarely occur in children under the age of three. Consequently, doctors often opt to allow the infection to resolve on its own in order to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.