Taking care of your child at home
Manage the fever and pain
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to treat fever or pain. ASA (acetylsalicylic acid) should not be given to children.
Complete the antibiotics
The fever and the throat pain usually improve about three days after your child starts taking antibiotics. However, even if your child seems to be better, it is very important to complete the entire course of antibiotics. This will make sure the infection does not return and will also prevent complications.
Offer your child soft foods and a liquid diet
Eating and drinking may be painful for a child with strep throat. Here are some tips to make it easier for them.
- If your child is having trouble swallowing, give soft foods that are easy to swallow, such as soups, ice cream, pudding or yogurt.
- Give plenty of liquids. Sipping with a straw or sippy cup may help.
- If your child is more than 12 months old, try giving one or two teaspoons (5 to 10 mL) of pasteurized honey to soothe the throat and ease the cough.
- Let an older child try gargling with warm salt water to soothe their throat.
Ice cubes and lozenges may provide some relief for older children or teens. Do not give them to younger children, however, because they are a choking hazard.