How Many Doses of Amoxicillin Before Not Contagious Strep: What Parents Can Do | Portland Pediatricians

At East Portland Pediatrics, we’ve seen a lot of families struggling with strep throat this season. Cases remain at high levels and unfortunately, there’s a nationwide shortage of the antibiotic commonly used to treat it in kids.

Here’s what you can do to make sure your child gets the strep throat treatment in East Portland they need.

Understanding Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus. This common and contagious infection primarily affects the throat and tonsils, leading to a range of symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. While strep throat is more prevalent among school-aged children, it can affect individuals of all ages. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious complications like rheumatic fever, which can cause lasting damage to the heart valves. Recognizing and treating strep throat promptly is crucial to prevent these severe outcomes.

Strep Throat Symptoms and Treatment

Strep throat is an infection caused by a bacteria known as Group A streptococcus. To diagnose strep throat, doctors often use a rapid strep test or throat culture. It’s a common infection that typically affects school-aged children, although adults can also get it.

Common symptoms of strep throat include sore throat and fever. In some cases, the infection can also cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Strep throat typically lasts about 3 to 7 days, but antibiotic treatment can significantly shorten the duration and alleviate symptoms.

Strep is usually treated with antibiotics like penicillin and amoxicillin to avoid complications and minimize the likelihood of infecting others. Rest, hydration, and medication to help with the pain are also important. Seeking medical attention when symptoms indicate a possible strep throat infection is crucial to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications.

Strep throat is contagious, and children with strep throat should stay home from school until they have had at least two doses of antibiotics that are 12 hours apart, their fever is gone, and they are feeling better.

How Strep Throat Spreads

Strep throat is highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person through direct contact with an infected individual’s oral and nasal secretions. This can occur in several ways:

• Inhaling the bacteria when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks
• Touching surfaces contaminated with the bacteria and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes
• Sharing food, drinks, or utensils with an infected person
• Close contact with an infected person, such as kissing or sharing a bed

People with strep throat are most contagious during the acute phase of the illness, when symptoms are most severe. However, they can still spread the bacteria even after symptoms have improved. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals are key to preventing the spread of strep throat.

Diagnosing Strep Throat

Diagnosing strep throat typically involves a physical examination and a rapid strep test or throat culture. A rapid strep test can provide quick results, often within minutes, but it may not be as accurate as a throat culture. A throat culture involves taking a swab of the throat and culturing it for 24-48 hours to confirm the presence of the bacteria.

If a rapid strep test is negative, a throat culture may be recommended to ensure an accurate diagnosis. It’s essential to see a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen over time, as proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery and preventing complications.

Other Infections Caused by Group A Strep

While strep throat is the most common infection caused by strep bacteria, we are also seeing an increase in other infections as well. Group A Strep is a common cause of skin infections, from impetigo to cellulitis.

What is most worrisome is the increase in invasive strep infections seen in the US and other countries. These invasive infections are medical emergencies that require immediate medical attention. Invasive infections include sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. If your child is severely ill, weak, unable to sit up, or having severe breathing trouble, call 911.

Shortage of Amoxicillin for Antibiotic Treatment

The antibiotic we usually use to treat strep in kids was added to the FDA’s list of drug shortages in October 2022. Luckily, this shortage is limited to pediatric versions of amoxicillin — liquid products that are easier for kids to take than pills. The shortage affects multiple generic brands, but not every amoxicillin product or strength.

While some parents may need to call around if their pharmacy doesn’t have the specific product they need, pharmacists should be able to share information on which other pharmacies have it in stock. Switching to another type or strength of antibiotic may be necessary. And yes, you might need to help your child take a pill instead of swallowing a liquid.

Complications of Untreated Strep Throat

If left untreated, strep throat can lead to several serious complications, including:

• Rheumatic fever, which can cause heart valve damage
• Kidney inflammation
• Autoimmune inflammatory arthritis affecting the joints
• Meningitis
• Septic shock

These complications highlight the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. Early treatment with antibiotics can help reduce the risk of these severe outcomes and ensure a quicker recovery.

Avoiding and Managing Strep Throat Complications

Good hygiene helps to prevent strep and keep it from spreading:

• Wash hands often
• Keep kids home when sick
• Cover sneezes and coughs
• Don’t share drinks or toothbrushes

Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about managing strep throat during this season, and keep in mind that other respiratory illnesses can complicate the picture. Finish the entire course of antibiotics prescribed by your pediatrician, even if your child starts to feel better before the medication is gone.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of strep throat, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should see a doctor if:

• Symptoms persist or worsen over time
• You have a high fever and a severe sore throat
• You have difficulty swallowing or breathing
• You have a rash or swollen lymph nodes
• You have a history of rheumatic fever or other complications

Early treatment with antibiotics can help reduce the risk of complications and shorten the duration of the illness. Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns about strep throat symptoms.

Tips for Parents

If your child has strep throat, here are some tips to help them feel better:

• Encourage them to rest and stay hydrated
• Offer pain relief medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Use a humidifier to relieve congestion
• Avoid close contact with others to prevent the spread of the bacteria
• Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of the bacteria
• Follow the antibiotic treatment plan as prescribed by the doctor

It’s essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time. By following these tips and ensuring your child completes their antibiotic treatment, you can help them recover more quickly and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

East Portland Pediatrics

It can be stressful when your kids get sick, and more so when you can’t get the medicine you need right away. Your pediatrician can help answer questions and provide guidance about the best ways to manage strep throat and other illnesses during this season.

While liquid amoxicillin is the preferred treatment for strep, alternative antibiotics are available. Your pediatrician can work with you to determine the best course of treatment. It is important to distinguish strep throat from other causes of sore throats and seek medical attention when necessary.

If your child displays symptoms like a sore throat that develops very quickly, swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches), red spots on the roof of the mouth, and/or swollen lymph nodes, call us to make your appointment. We’ll get you the help you need.