Strep throat can sometimes lead to serious complications if not treated properly.

Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt with the Children’s Health Minute, presented by this station and TexCare--connecting families with children’s health insurance for 25-dollars a month or less.

Roughly ten percent of children who have a sore throat and fever have “strep throat.” It often causes swelling that makes swallowing painful.

Call your doctor if your child has these symptoms, especially if someone in your family or in your child’s school has recently had strep.

If someone in your home has strep throat, don’t share glasses or eating utensils, and wash them in hot, soapy water. And wash your hands often if you’re caring for a child with strep.

If strep throat is ignored, complications may occur, including an illness that can injure the heart.

Keep your kids healthy. Call toll-free 1-877-KIDS NOW for information or when it’s time to renew your children’s health insurance. That’s 1-877-KIDS NOW.