An older child complaining of a sore throat, pain with swallowing. A younger child may have a sore throat if they refuse to eat or cry with feedings. When examined with a light, the throat may be red. Most sore throats are caused by a virus and may be part of a cold . Tonsillitis means any swelling or redness of the tonsils and may be caused by a virus or a bacteria.
Viruses are more common in children under a year.
Strep throat may occur at any age, but is most common in children over 4 or 5 years of age. Strep rarely causes nasal congestion and cough. Infectious mononucleosis , commonly called mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. 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.