Child has white spots on the throat that don't go away after gargling. Other symptoms are present such as neck pain, severe headache, joint pain and muscle pain. Fever is above 101 and stays there. Child drools or has a very hard time swallowing. Child has a hard time breathing.
Child has severe pain during the day or night.
The sore throat does not get better or improve after two days of home treatment. The child develops a rash. Child has been around another child or adult with strep throat. Your doctor or clinic may want your child to have a throat culture to make sure the sore throat is not strep throat. Children may wake up with sore throats.