Strep Throat symptoms vs Covid symptoms in kids

1,943 Views | 5 Replies | Last: 5 yr ago by Kool
Big Al 1992
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AG
Any big differences? Classmates of our kids at school say they have strep and symptoms include head cold, congestion, mild fever, sore throat - no cough. Are these similar to Covid symptoms in kids? Is there any big differences? Can a pediatrician test for both at the same time?
jopatura
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AG
Rapid strep can definitely be done in a pediatrician's office. If they've been tested and they are on antibiotics, they can be around people after 24 hours iirc. We had strep this summer. No fun.

If they are just assuming it's strep with no treatment, I'd side eye that a little.
Kool
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AG
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a normal viral upper respiratory infection and COVID, especially in children (who are often completely asymptomatic). In general, COVID causes less nasal congestion, sneezing, and drainage and more sore throat and fever when compared to a normal URI. But that is a huge generalization. Strep tests are notoriously inaccurate. A lot of kids are also Strep carriers, and they will test positive even if they are not sick. It is, unfortunately, a dilemma. Will give reference:
COVID-19 in Children and Teens
Good luck.
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KidDoc
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AG
If you want the real medical nitty gritty it is called Centor Score for strep:

https://www.mdcalc.com/centor-score-modified-mcisaac-strep-pharyngitis

No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
DannyDuberstein
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AG
We had these questions about 2 weeks ago. 14 year old with 102 fever and sore throat. Thought "welp, here we go". But negative for covid, strep, and flu. Resolves within 48 hours and the rest of us in the house test covid negative too. So just a random virus perhaps.
hamean02
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AG
throat will probably have puss pockets with Strep that won't appear with covid. disclaimer... I'm not a doctor but I have had a lot of strep in my house over the years and it has some distinctives.
Kool
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AG
KidDoc said:

If you want the real medical nitty gritty it is called Centor Score for strep:

https://www.mdcalc.com/centor-score-modified-mcisaac-strep-pharyngitis




That's a nifty guide
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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