Dispose of used tissues carefully. Use medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen to relieve pain or reduce fever. Do not use aspirin in children since its use may lead to Reye's syndrome. Not treating strep throat or stopping the medication early can lead to heart damage. The bacteria causing strep throat can also cause rheumatic fever.
Rheumatic fever can damage the heart valves, and affect the joints and brain.
Strep throat can also lead to kidney, ear, or sinus infections. If someone in your family is already being treated for strep, treatment without taking a throat culture may be given to another family member showing the symptoms. If the symptoms are not like strep, your healthcare provider may want to watch them before ordering any tests or starting any treatment. All Rights Reserved.