Most sore throats are caused by viruses as seen in colds or seasonal allergies. However, for children between the ages of two and eighteen, there is a tendency to develop “strep” throat.

According to literature, you can suspect “strep” if the tonsils are enlarged, and if there are white patches on the tonsils. and there are big lymph nodes in the neck and under the chin. Often strep throat is accompanied by a low-grade fever and either headache or stomachache. 

The only certain way to diagnose “strep” throat is with a throat culture. The physician will usually prescribe an antibiotic such as penicillin and your child should stay out of school at least 24 hours after the medication has started and he is fever free.