Strep Throat

​Strep throat it a common infection which is contagious. It commonly occurs in school-going children and teenagers but can occur at all ages. It is caused by streptococcal bacteria which create inflammation in the throat and tonsils. It is important to promptly treat it; otherwise it can cause complications in the body. 

Strep throat looks may have symptoms similar to a viral sore throat.  Strep throat requires treatment with antibiotics to avoid problems like rheumatic fever, which can lead to inflamed joints, heart valve diseases and Kidney inflammation​

  • Painful throat 

  • Painful swallowing

  • High grade fever

  • The child’s throat may appear red when closely seen

  • Body and muscle aches

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Rashes 

If your child has cough, sneezing and runny nose along with these symptoms than it is less likely to be strep throat. ​​

​If your child is suffering from any of the above symptoms, consult a doctor working with the Children’s Hospital Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. Our medical specialists are equipped to offer your child comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical care. If Strep Throat is left untreated, it can cause severe problems in the body. ​
Your time with your doctor maybe limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​

​If your doctor suspects your child is suffering from Strep Throat, he or she may conduct the following test:

  • Throat Culture: A swab will be rubbed over the back of the throat and tonsils to get a sample of the secretions. The sample will then be cultured for the presence of bacteria. These results can take as long as two days.​

​Our doctors at the Children’s Hospital Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital will recommend medications to relieve your child from these symptoms. 

Doctors usually treat strep throat with antibiotics. Antibiotics  shorten the time your child spreads the disease to others and lowers the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of your body. Antibiotics also help your child feel better faster.

The medications will start to work in 48 hours after the first dose. Once the medications are taken, the child can return back to school in 24 hours as he/she is then non-contagious. 

In case your child does not feel relief in two days after the medications, it is important that you consult your doctor immediately for further treatment. Your doctor will also treat you symptomatically by giving your child pain medicines to relieve him of aches and pains in the body. ​

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​

Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​



​The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider. ​