What To Do If You Think Your Child Has Strep Throat
If you notice these symptoms and think your child has strep throat, once again, theres no need to rush to an emergency room.
You may not need to schedule a doctors visit with your childs pediatrician, either.
Strep throat is painful, and your child may have to wait hours or even days to see a primary care physician or pediatrician.
Instead, an urgent care facility is the perfect place to turn. Places like GoHealth Urgent Care frequently test and treat strep throat, especially in young children. We can also refer an ear, nose, and throat specialist is something to think about, should the problem persist.
When you visit our urgent care center, there is no need to schedule an appointment and your wait time will be short
Another tip to remember is this: strep throat is very contagious, so make sure your child stays home from school or other responsibilities after a strep diagnosis. After 24 hours of antibiotics, the infection will no longer be contagious.
What Are Some New Developments In Treating Head And Neck Cancer
New treatments for head and neck cancers include the use of drugs that block the hormones that cause certain tumor cells to multiply. These treatments make the tumor more sensitive to radiation and increase the chance of a cure. Immunotherapy is rapidly evolving as an option. Immunotherapy drugs help your body produce cancer-fighting cells.
Many new therapies are focused on decreasing side effects of treatment while maintaining good cure rates. For example, newer chemotherapy drugs are being used that have less serious side effects, but still are effective in killing cancer cells.
Newer radiation techniques focus more energy on tumor cells and less on normal tissue, so that patients experience fewer side effects. And advanced surgical techniques can remove the cancer while allowing the patient to regain a more normal lifestyle after successful therapy.
There have also been breakthroughs in new ways of combining surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Your provider can tell you about the latest treatments for head and neck cancers.
Persistent Throat And Ear Pain
Throat and ear pain may come and go or it may be constant and persistent, depending on what is causing the symptoms.
For example, acid reflux is more likely to cause pain that is worse in the morning and subsides later in the day. Seasonal allergies, strep throat, and mononucleosis are more likely to come with throat and ear pain that does not go away until the conditions are treated.
See your healthcare provider if your sore throat lasts longer than two weeks.
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What Is The Treatment For Sore Throat And Headache
Usually, you can treat sore throat and headache with at-home remedies. If you have strep throat, your provider will prescribe antibiotics to get rid of it. Take all the medicine, even though youll start to feel better within a day or two.
At-home treatments for sore throat and headache include:
- Fluids, especially water, tea with honey, soup or broth.
- Throat lozenges or ice cubes.
- Warm saltwater gargle.
- Cool compress on your head.
- Plenty of rest.
If your child has a headache and sore throat, remember:
- Choose the right medication: Dont give aspirin to young children. It may cause a life-threatening condition called Reyes syndrome. Make sure to choose pain relievers made for infants and children.
- Avoid hard candies: Lozenges or other hard candies can be a choking hazard for young children.
- Dont give honey to babies: Avoid giving honey to infants under a year old. Babies dont have defenses against infant botulism.
Is Ba5 To Blame For Sore Throats
Perry N. Halkitis, PhD, MS, MPH, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health, told Verywell that rising reports of sore throats do not really have to do with the BA.5 subvariant. Sore throat and headaches are common symptoms of COVID regardless of the variant, and this was true earlier in the pandemic with the Alpha variant.
David Dowdy, MD, PhD, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told Verywell that the prevalence of sore throat as a COVID symptom might not be caused by BA.5, either.
Its true that Omicron and its subvariants are more associated with upper respiratory symptoms compared to Delta and previous variants, but Dowdy is hesitant to attribute the increase in sore throat reports to the spread of BA.5.
More likely, this reflects our own immune systems adaptation to the virus, as most people have been exposed to the virus multiple times by now, said Dowdy. But I would not read this as a major shift in the type of symptoms people have been experiencing over the past few months.
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How Is A Sore Throat From Tonsillitis Treated
If the tonsillitis infection is bacterial like strep throat, then antibiotics are given. If the tonsillitis infection is viral, antibiotics will not help. The virus must run its course for the sore throat to resolve. For either type of throat infection, the following treatment measures may help:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Eating smooth, soothing foods like gelatin, ice cream, shakes, frozen desserts, and soup
- Avoiding crunchy or spicy foods
- Using a vaporizer
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen. Children should not take aspirin.
If the tonsillitis infections occur repeatedly, or if the tonsils are interfering with sleep and breathing, the doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy, which is the surgical removal of the tonsils.
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How Do Doctors Diagnose The Cause Of A Cough
When diagnosing the cause of a cough without fever, a doctor will ask about the symptoms a person is experiencing. They may also carry out a physical exam, during which they will use a stethoscope to listen for any unusual sounds in the lungs.
A doctor may also recommend other diagnostic procedures, including:
- a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for fluid or abnormalities in the lungs
- allergy tests to determine whether the cough is due to an undiagnosed allergy
- a sputum test to check for the presence of infectious pathogens
- blood tests to check for an infection or inflammation
Coughs should improve without medical intervention in 34 weeks. However, if a cough persists beyond 4 weeks, a person should consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
A person should also speak with a doctor if any of the following symptoms accompany their cough:
- increased mucus production
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What Are The Symptoms Of Head And Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer can be hard to diagnose, because symptoms are often mild and can mimic less serious conditions such as a cold or sore throat. These symptoms include:
- A mouth or tongue sore that does not heal.
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.
- A persistent sore throat.
- Hoarseness.
- Swelling in the jaw, neck or side of the face. This may cause dentures to fit poorly.
- Frequent sinus infections that dont respond to antibiotics.
- Neck pain that won’t go away.
- Persistent earaches.
- Trouble breathing or speaking.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to check with your physician immediately. They may be signs of less serious conditions, but a thorough exam should be done.
What Causes Bacterial Meningitis
The bacteria most often responsible for bacterial meningitis are common in the environment and can also be found in your nose and respiratory system without causing any harm.
Sometimes meningitis occurs for no known reason. Other times it occurs after a head injury or after you have had an infection and your immune system is weakened.
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Symptoms Of Glandular Fever
Glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus . Symptoms are thought to take about one to two months to develop after infection with the virus.
The most common symptoms of the condition include:
- a high temperature
- a sore throat this is usually severe, but in an older adult, or very young child, the infection may be present without a sore throat
- swollen glands in your neck and possibly in other parts of your body, such as under your armpits
- fatigue
Glandular fever can also cause:
- a general sense of feeling unwell
- aching muscles
- loss of appetite
- pain around or behind your eyes
- swollen tonsils and adenoids , which may affect your breathing
- the inside of your throat to become very red and there may be a whitish coating
- small red or purple spots on the roof of your mouth
- a rash
- swelling or puffiness around your eyes
- a tender or swollen tummy
- jaundice
Some of these symptoms may develop a few days before the main symptoms mentioned above.
While the symptoms of glandular fever can be unpleasant, most of them should pass within two to three weeks. Fatigue, however, can occasionally last several months.
Plaques In The Throat Without Fever: Mild Infection
The organism is frequently exposed to the entry of infectious agents through respiration, mainly affecting the throat. In these cases, it is easy to identify the symptoms of a viral infection:
- Pain in the area
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Discomfort when swallowing
- Headache
- Body ache
Although infections are commonly accompanied by increased body temperature, this symptom may not be present, as some viral or mild infections occur. So if youre wondering why I have a sore throat without a fever, this might be an answer.
If it is a virus infection, it usually disappears by itself in about ten days, taking some care not to aggravate the symptoms. However, it is recommended that you go to your doctor to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe drugs to reduce symptoms, mainly if they cause you much discomfort. It will probably include anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, and anesthetics rinses or pills.
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What Is Head And Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer refers to several types of cancers that affect the head and neck areas of the body. These cancers account for approximately 3% to 5% of all cancers in the United States. Head and neck cancer is more common in men and in people over age 50. These cancers are very treatable if caught early and are easily preventable. The most common causes of head and neck cancer are tobacco and alcohol use. Human papillomavirus is also an important risk factor for some head and neck cancers.
Head and neck cancer includes cancers of the:
- Oral cavity: lips, tongue, gums, lining of the cheeks and lips, bottom and top of the mouth, and behind the wisdom teeth. The most common type of head and neck cancer.
- Salivary glands: These produce the saliva that keeps your mouth and throat moist. The main glands are on the bottom of the mouth and near the jawbone.
- Sinuses: the hollow spaces in the bones surrounding the nose.
- Nasal cavity: the hollow area inside the nose.
- Tonsils.
- Ears.
- Lymph nodes in the upper part of the neck.
Despite their locations, brain, eye and thyroid cancers aren’t usually referred to as head and neck cancers.
How Is Bacterial Meningitis Diagnosed
It is important that you seek immediate medical assistance if you suspect meningitis.
Your doctor will conduct a physical exam. Your doctor will look for a purple or red rash on the skin. Your doctor will check your neck for stiffness and will exam hip and knee flexion.
Your doctor will have to decide if the cause is bacterial, viral or fungal and will have to analyze your spinal fluid so a spinal tap will be ordered.
Your blood and urine may also be analyzed as well as the mucous from your nose and throat.
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If Im Exposed To The Coronavirus How Long Will It Be Before I Might Develop Symptoms
Symptoms can begin two to 14 days after you have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. A study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that the median time for symptoms to show up is about five days, however, CDC research suggests that the median time for omicron symptoms to develop is about three days.
If you suspect you were exposed to or had close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should self-quarantine, watch for symptoms and consider getting tested four or five days following the exposure. Exposure is contact with someone infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in a way that increases the likelihood of becoming infected with the virus. Close contact is being less than 6 feet away from an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more during a 24-hour period.
Please review CDC guidelines for isolation and quarantine to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
What If My Strep Throat Isn’t Getting Better
If your strep throat is not getting better, let your healthcare provider know right away. Do not stop taking your prescribed medicine unless your health care provider tells you to. Call your healthcare provider if these symptoms occur:
- Fever one or two days after feeling better
- Dark urine, rash, or chest pain
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Flu Symptoms Hit Fast
The flu will often surprise you with how quickly symptoms begin, and how serious the illness can become. Classically, the flu starts with a sudden onset of fever, chills, muscles aches, mild headache and fatigue. You may have other symptoms like a runny nose and cough, too. You feel lousy and you feel lousy fast.
How long does the flu last?
Flu onset usually happens about one to four days after infection, and symptoms typically last five to seven days. However, fatigue can stick around for a few extra days.
How long does a cold last?
A cold comes on gradually and will usually last longer than the flu. Cold germs are contagious for the first three days. And while your cough and congestion can last up to three weeks, other cold symptoms that last more than a week such as fever, chest discomfort or sinus pain may be a sign of a bacterial or sinus infection.
If you experience long-lasting symptoms, dont ignore them. Talk with a doctor. They can help diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment plan.
How The Condition Progresses
The information below outlines how glandular fever usually progresses:
- in most people, the disease usually lasts 2-3 weeks
- the sore throat is usually severe for 3-5 days and then resolves over the next 7-10 days
- most symptoms tend to get better in 2-4 weeks, however, 20 per cent of people have a persistent sore throat at 4 weeks
- fatigue is common and usually lasts for a few weeks
- a minority of people have persistent fatigue that may last several months
- Epstein-Barr virus remains in the body lifelong
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How Is Head And Neck Cancer Treated
The first step in treating head and neck cancer is to determine the stage of cancer.
Stage I and II cancers are small and havent spread from their original location. They are usually curable.
Stage III and IV cancers have usually spread to nearby lymph nodes, and/or are large tumors. They usually require more complicated treatment and have a smaller chance of cure, but most are potentially curable. Tumors that have spread to other parts of the body, called metastatic tumors, are generally thought to be incurable, but may be treated to reduce symptoms.
The stage, along with your age, general health and location of the tumor, will determine your treatment plan.
The three main courses of treatment for head and neck cancers are radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy. Some patients may receive all three treatments.
What Else Could It Be
There are plenty of other possible causes for your sore throat, Dr. Curtis said. Did you recently get a new pet and are now experiencing a sore throat? Could be allergies. Here are some more tips for responding to a sore throat:
- If you also have difficulty swallowing, you should be seen by your physician. If you experience shortness of breath, you should be evaluated. If you have a single lump on one side of your neck, you should get evaluated.
- If your cold symptoms turn out to be due to an actual cold, you need some fluids and rest and you should be back up in a couple days.
- If youve got a sore throat with a fever, but no runny nose or cough, you might have strep throat. Check for exudate on the tonsils a secretion caused by inflammation of the tonsils and tender nodes on the front of your neck. Contact your physician.
- If your sore throat is accompanied by a low-grade fever and extreme fatigue, it could be mononucleosis, which is most common in people in their teens and 20s. Contact your physician.
- Influenza can cause a sore throat that is typically very abrupt, and commonly joined by body aches, fevers and headache.
The main point, according to Dr. Curtis, is that using internet search to diagnose yourself is not the safest idea. You should contact your physician if you have any questions or concerns about your health and any symptoms you experience.
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What Is A Headache With A Sore Throat
Most people get headaches many times during their lives. A headache causes pain in your head or face. The pain may be throbbing, sharp or dull.
A sore throat is pain or irritation in your throat. It might feel scratchy, painful or dry. It often hurts more when you swallow.
Sometimes, you have both a headache and sore throat. Most often, an infection causes those symptoms to happen together.