See below under viral pharyngitis. Accompanied by high fever Known recent contacts with strep throat Fine, red sandpapery rash usually starting in lower abdomen Home Care. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are recommended for pain relief. Older children may gargle with warm salt water. Make sure the child is drinking fluids to stay hydrated and do not worry as much about food.
Soft foods are usually better tolerated.
A humidifier may help is sore throat is due to a dry throat from mouth breathing. Many viruses may cause a sore throat. Most of the time if your child has an accompanying cold with congestion and cough, they will be more likely have a virus rather than strep throat. Mono usually is accompanied by fatigue, fever, very swollen tonsils with a white coating and possibly an enlarged spleen. A blood test is needed to diagnose mononucleosis and there is no real treatment.