Strep Throat Care

Q: How is strep throat tested?

We do a quick swab of the back of the throat. The rapid test gives results in 5 to 10 minutes. If the rapid test is negative but symptoms still look like strep, we send a culture to a lab and call you with the result within 24 to 48 hours.

Q: Why does my child need antibiotics for strep?

Untreated strep can lead to rare but serious complications like rheumatic fever, kidney problems, or abscesses. Antibiotics shorten the illness, reduce contagion, and prevent these complications. They’re one of the few sore throats where antibiotics make a real difference.

Q: How soon will my child feel better?

Most kids feel noticeably better within 24 to 48 hours of starting antibiotics. The full course is usually 10 days — finish all of it, even if your child feels fine, to fully clear the bacteria.

Q: When can my child go back to school?

After 24 hours on antibiotics and no fever for 24 hours. We send a written note home with you. Most schools and daycares require both.

Q: Should the rest of the family get tested?

Only if they have symptoms — sore throat, fever, swollen glands. We don’t routinely test or treat people without symptoms, even if they live with someone who has strep. If a sibling develops symptoms, call us.

Q: What if my child gets strep over and over?

Recurrent strep (multiple episodes a year) sometimes points to a chronic carrier state, household re-exposure, or rarely the need for an ENT consult about tonsillectomy. We’ll review the pattern, look at risk factors, and decide together when it’s worth a deeper look.

A bad sore throat in a school-age child often means strep — and strep is one of the few sore throats that actually needs antibiotics. We test in the office, get answers in minutes, and start treatment the same visit. Most kids feel better within 24 to 48 hours and can return to school after a full day on antibiotics.

Request an Appointment Call 703-580-6400

Sore throat with a fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
Trouble swallowing, or refusing to drink
Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
Headache, stomachache, or rash with the sore throat
Someone in the house has been diagnosed with strep recently
A sore throat that lasts more than 48 hours without other cold symptoms (no runny nose, no cough)

A pediatrician gently examining a young patient

A look at the throat and tonsils for redness, swelling, white patches, or pus
Lymph nodes in the neck for swelling and tenderness
A rapid strep test (a quick swab — 5 to 10 minutes for results)
A throat culture if the rapid test is negative but symptoms strongly suggest strep
Other possible causes: viral pharyngitis, mononucleosis, hand-foot-and-mouth, or post-nasal drip
Whether anyone else in the household needs to be tested

In-office rapid testing

A quick throat swab gives reliable results in 5 to 10 minutes — no waiting on outside labs, no second visit.

Antibiotics when they’re needed

If the test is positive, we start treatment the same visit. We don’t prescribe for viral sore throats, even if the family hopes for a quick fix.

Pain relief plan

Strep hurts. We’ll talk through ibuprofen or acetaminophen dosing, warm salt-water gargles for older kids, and easy-to-swallow foods.

Backup throat culture

If the rapid test is negative but everything else points to strep, we send a culture to confirm — and call you with results within 24 to 48 hours.

Family follow-up

Strep spreads easily at home. We’ll talk through who else might need testing and how to keep it from cycling through siblings.

Clear return-to-school guidance

Most kids can return after 24 hours on antibiotics and no fever. We send you home with a written note for the school.

Insurance card + photo IDFor the responsible adult on the visit.
Symptom timelineWhen the sore throat started, fever readings, and any exposures (siblings, classmates with strep).
What you’ve already givenIbuprofen, acetaminophen, throat lozenges — names, doses, and last time given.
Water and a comfort itemStrep makes swallowing painful. Cold water and a familiar toy help during the swab.

How is strep throat tested?

Why does my child need antibiotics for strep?

How soon will my child feel better?

When can my child go back to school?

Should the rest of the family get tested?

What if my child gets strep over and over?

Well-Child VisitsRoutine well-child visits in Woodbridge, VA — growth checks, vaccines, development screening, and school/sports forms.Learn more

Sick VisitsSame-day sick visits in Woodbridge, VA — fever, ear pain, sore throat, rashes, and more.Learn more

Ear Infection CareSame-day care for ear infections in Woodbridge, VA — careful diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and antibiotics only when they help.Learn more

Allergy CarePediatric allergy care in Woodbridge, VA — seasonal, food, environmental, and skin allergies.Learn more

AAA Pediatrics2200 Opitz Blvd, Suite 355Woodbridge, VA 22191

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Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

A provider is on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

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Same-day sick visits, well checks, and newborn care — all in one family-first practice in Woodbridge, VA.

Request an Appointment Call 703-580-6400

Strep Throat Care

Call us if you notice any of these

What we cover in the room

Your visit includes

In-office rapid testing

Antibiotics when they’re needed

Pain relief plan

Backup throat culture

Family follow-up

Clear return-to-school guidance

What to bring

Questions families ask

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