Strep Throat: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Visit Urgent Care
Strep throat is a common and contagious bacterial infection that causes throat pain and discomfort. It can affect people of all ages. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and when to seek urgent care can help ensure a speedy recovery.
What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus). It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or shares food and drinks.
Common Symptoms of Strep Throat
Symptoms of strep throat usually develop within two to five days after exposure and may include:
Severe sore throat
Pain when swallowing
Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Headache
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat does not typically cause coughing or a runny nose. If you have these symptoms, a viral infection may be the cause.
How is Strep Throat Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can diagnose strep throat with a rapid strep test or throat culture. The rapid strep test provides results within minutes, while a throat culture may take longer but is more accurate.
Treatment for Strep Throat
If diagnosed with strep throat, antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin are commonly prescribed to eliminate the infection and prevent complications. It is crucial to take the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before completing the medication. Also, be sure to change out your toothbrush after being on antibiotics for 48 hours to prevent re-infection.
Home Remedies to Relieve Symptoms
In addition to antibiotics, the following home remedies can help ease symptoms:
Drinking warm teas or broths
Gargling with salt water
Using throat lozenges
Staying hydrated
Getting plenty of rest
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
When to Visit Urgent Care
You should visit an urgent care center if you experience:
A sore throat lasting more than 48 hours with no improvement
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Fevers
White patches or pus on the tonsils
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
At our urgent care center, we offer rapid strep testing and treatment to help you feel better fast. Walk in today if you suspect strep throat, and our healthcare team will provide the care you need.
Preventing Strep Throat
To reduce the risk of strep throat:
Wash your hands frequently
Avoid close contact with infected individuals
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
Do not share food, drinks, or utensils
Strep throat is a highly treatable condition, and early intervention can help prevent complications. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to visit our urgent care center for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
