THROAT SWAB AND TREATMENT FOR RHEUMATIC FEVER PREVENTION

We swab sore throats in children aged 4 to 19 years to check for strep throat.  Strep throat, if untreated, can lead to development of Rheumatic Fever which can lead to joint and heart damage.  We give antibiotics to start immediately while awaiting throat swab results.
We can also swab sore throats in household contacts aged 3 to 35, of a child with a positive strep throat result.