9 year old sore throat what to do

Get it looked at: For a 9 year old, a slightly sore throat could be post nasal drip or just a viral throat infection. However, if there is notable fatigue, pain with swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes, cough, or prolonged symptoms (more than 3-4 days), then you should have him tested for strep throat. For now, warm liquids or cold as preferred, Motrin or tylenol, (acetaminophen) and rest.

Evaluation time: Even strep throat can gradually improve in a few days without treatment, but after 10 days it can begin the process of forming the antibodies that lead to rheumatic fever. The only way to know if the condition needs treatment is to have it checked.