Strep throat is an infection that causes pain and inflammation in the throat. It is very common in children from the ages of 3-15 years old. We offer rapid strep testing in our clinics and can also send out for more intensive labs.
Yes! At Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care, our providers can perform rapid strep testing if they think it’s necessary. Rapid testing helps confirm whether your child’s sore throat is caused by strep bacteria or another cause, which is important because only bacterial infections need strep throat treatment.
If your child tests positive, our pediatric urgent care team can prescribe the right antibiotics and give guidance on how to manage symptoms at home. If the test is negative, we can help you treat your child’s symptoms and recommend care for viral causes of sore throat.
At Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care, we always perform rapid strep testing before prescribing antibiotics. This is important because not all sore throats are caused by strep bacteria, and antibiotics are only needed for true strep infections. In fact, only about 15–30% of sore throats in children are caused by strep.
Strep throat is more common in children because their immune systems are still developing and they are often in close contact with other kids at school or daycare, which makes it easier for the bacteria to spread. Children also touch surfaces and then their mouths more frequently, increasing the chance of infection.
When your child has a sore throat, soft, foods and plenty of fluids can help them feel more comfortable. Warm liquids like soups, herbal tea, or warm apple juice can help ease throat pain and loosen mucus. Cold or soft foods like ice cream, smoothies, yogurt, or applesauce can also be soothing. Make sure your child stays well-hydrated with water and other safe fluids.
