Strep throat in infants: Is this common?
My 10-month-old child has had strep throat twice. Is this normal or should I be concerned?
- Kim / Kansas
Mayo Clinic pediatrician Jay Hoecker, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.
Answer
Strep throat, an infection caused by streptococcus bacteria, can occur at any age. However, it's rare in children younger than 3 years old. Children who get repeated strep throat may be re-contacting a carrier of strep in the home or child care or may be carriers themselves. The recurrence of strep throat is likely not a sign of an underlying problem with the child's immune system.
Signs and symptoms of strep throat in infants include:
- Sleeplessness
- Irritability
- Fever
- Refusal to drink a bottle, or breast-feed
- Occasionally, a fine, red rash on the torso, arms and legs
Treatment of strep throat, which includes antibiotics, is the same for both younger and older children.


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