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KidsCare Online

Sore Throat

Should I Call?

	Call 911 NOW (your child may need an ambulance) IF: Severe difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath, making grunting noises with each breath, unable to speak or cry because of difficulty breathing)
	Call Your Doctor NOW (night or day) IF your child has any ONE of the following: Your child looks or acts very sick Difficulty breathing, but not severe Sudden extreme difficulty swallowing fluids or saliva (drooling) Stiff neck Fever > 105°F (40.6° C) Signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, no tears with crying and no urine for more than 8 hours) Purple spots or dots on skin Action: If you are unable to reach your doctor - go to a nearby KidsCare clinic or to a local hospital Emergency Department. Use our Facility Search to find an urgent care clinic near you.
	Call Your Doctor WITHIN 24 HOURS (during regular daytime office hours) IF: You think your child needs an office visit or throat culture Sore throat pain is severe and not improved within 2 hours of taking ibuprofen Rash that's widespread Earache or sinus pain/pressure Fever has lasted more than 3 days Age less than 2 year old Exposure to strep within last 7 days Sores present on the skin Sore throat is the main symptom and persists greater than 24 hours
	Call Your Doctor DURING WEEKDAY OFFICE HOURS IF: Sore throat with a viral illness is present greater than 5 days You have other questions or concerns.
	Provide Care at Home to children for: Probable viral throat infection and you don't think your child needs to be seen.