Sore throats are one of the most common reasons children are seen by a doctor.
Doctors cannot accurately diagnose strep in all cases by examination of the throat only. Some of the worst appearing throat infections are caused by viruses, not strep, and can make children quite ill. This illness is most common in children between 4-15 years old. Children under 2 years usually do not get strep throat. Children under 4 years may not get a throat infection from strep, but may instead get a respiratory infection with low grade fever, congestion and swollen glands.