What causes sore throat in babies and children?

Causes of a sore throat include:

• a viral infection like the common cold, flu or glandular fever – this is the most common cause
• a bacterial infection, like a streptococcal infection – this is less common
• tonsillitis – this might be the cause if your child’s tonsils are swollen and red
• mouth ulcers.

The medical name for a sore throat or a throat infection is pharyngitis. And a sore throat caused by a bacterial infection is sometimes called strep throat.

How do you know whether it’s sore throat or strep throat?

You can start by looking at your child’s symptoms.

Sore throat (viral infection)

If your child’s sore throat is caused by the common cold, they’re likely to have a runny nose, cough and possibly sore ears, along with a fever, tiredness and a poor appetite.

If the cause is flu, your child might also have aches and pains.

If your child has glandular fever, they’ll probably also have large swollen lymph nodes and be very tired over a long period.

Strep throat (bacterial infection)

It’s more likely to be a streptococcal infection if your child is older than 3 years and has swollen lymph nodes, swollen red tonsils with white spots, and a rash. They might also have a fever, stomach pain and vomiting. This kind of sore throat might not come with a runny nose and cough.

Should you take your child to a doctor about a sore throat?

You should take your child to the GP if your child has a sore throat and:

• has trouble breathing or swallowing
• is drooling more than usual
• complains of a stiff or swollen neck
• can’t fully open their mouth
• has a fever for no apparent reason.

Also see the GP if you’re not sure or are concerned about your child’s symptoms.

Will the doctor do tests for your child’s sore throat?

If your GP thinks your child’s sore throat is caused by a streptococcal infection, your GP might take a swab from your child’s throat.

If your GP thinks a virus is causing your child’s sore throat, they might order a blood test to help them find out which one. This is only done for certain viruses – for example, glandular fever. Your doctor won’t order a blood test if they think your child has a common cold or the flu.

How to get rid of a sore throat

Viral infection

There’s no cure for a sore throat caused by a viral infection. The best thing is to treat your child’s symptoms.

Bacterial infection

If your child has strep throat or a sore throat caused by another bacterial infection, the GP might prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Antibiotics are only recommended for serious infections.

If your child has a bacterial infection that’s causing an abscess at the back of their throat, they might need to go into hospital. This often needs treatment with intravenous antibiotics. If your child has an abscess, they might also need minor surgery to drain the pus.

What to give a child with a sore throat

Here are ways to soothe your child’s sore throat:

• Give your child saline nose drops to help with a blocked nose.
• Give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen in recommended doses to help with pain.
• Encourage older children to suck on lozenges (if they can do this safely) or use mouth sprays that numb the throat.
• Encourage your child to take frequent sips of fluid so they stay hydrated. You could use an oral rehydration fluid like Gastrolyte or Hydralyte, which you can get at pharmacies and supermarkets.
• Offer fluids via a syringe or spoon, or let your child suck icy poles.

If your child’s sore throat isn’t getting better with simple pain relief like paracetamol, your GP might prescribe a short course of corticosteroids.

Frequently asked questions about sore throat

Do babies get sore throats?

Yes. Babies can have sore throats caused by viral infections like colds. But it’s rare for children under 3 years old to have a sore throat caused by bacterial tonsillitis.

What can you give a baby for a sore throat?

Babies older than one month can have paracetamol in recommended doses.

How long do sore throats last in babies?

Sore throats in babies usually get better within a week, but it will depend on the cause of the sore throat.

What drinks are good for sore throats?

Water or an oral rehydration fluid like Gastrolyte or Hydralyte can be good for a sore throat. Oral rehydration fluid might also help your child avoid dehydration if the sore throat is making it difficult for them to drink and eat.

Should your child take Panadol for a sore throat?

Your child can take paracetamol in recommended doses to help with the pain of a sore throat.