My 4 year old has swollen lymph nodes on her neck, just under her ears, and she says it hurts there. When I look at her throat the sides (tonsils?) are swollen and red, though no white spots and I can see her epiglottis. Strep has been going around her preschool, but when I called concerned to make a sick visit appointment the nurse told me it was probably viral b/c her fever was only 100 degrees. Concerned it is strep presenting without a fever, as I ve heard this can happen. Is there risk to having her not treated quickly if it is strep? Does it sound like routine illness or should i be worried?
Hi...by what you quote I feel that your kid might be having a viral sore throat or a streptococcal infection. I suggest you see your pediatrician and get a rapid streptococcal antigen test done. If it is positive then the kid will require antibiotics. If it is negative then it might be viral illness and doesn't require antibiotics at all. Cough and cold are viral 95% of the times in child Chat Doctor.  For cold, you can use anti-allergics like cetirizine and for nose block, saline nasal decongestants will do. Paracetamol can be given in the dose of 15 mg/kg/dose (max ceiling dose 500 mg) every 4-6th hourly, that too only if fever is more than 100F. I suggest not using combination medicines for fever, especially with Paracetamol. Warm saline gargles will be soothing and will give a lot of relief if the kid can do that. Regards - 