Doctors Report Rise in Bacterial and Viral Throat Infections

Pediatric and family clinics are seeing an increase in patients suffering from sore throats, with doctors attributing the rise to children returning to schools and kindergartens. Experts note that infections spread easily within households, affecting parents, siblings, and infants. While viral infections like COVID-19 are common, seasonal allergies can also cause throat pain and other symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes.

Doctors observe that throat infections, whether viral or bacterial, are contagious. Symptoms can include severe pain, fever, and swollen tonsils, though sometimes physical examination reveals no obvious signs. Most cases are viral and resolve on their own. Bacterial infections in children are often caused by Streptococcus. While throat infections occur year-round, recent years have seen shifts in disease patterns, with some illnesses appearing outside their typical seasons.

Treatment for viral infections focuses on symptom relief through pain relievers and local remedies. For bacterial throat infections, antibiotics are crucial not only to shorten the illness but also to prevent potential heart complications that can arise weeks later. Doctors emphasize that antibiotics should only be used for confirmed bacterial infections.

As the season progresses, doctors recommend flu vaccinations, ideally before the peak of the season, as immunity takes time to develop. They warn against ignoring symptoms like high fever, difficulty swallowing, or drooling, which require medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions. Maintaining clean air conditioners and filters is also advised to prevent dust buildup that can exacerbate symptoms. Staying home when feeling unwell and wearing masks in public are encouraged to minimize transmission.