Strep throat is a very common, contagious infection that is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. While it most commonly affects children between the ages of 5 and 15, anyone is at risk. Because strep throat shares many common symptoms with a sore throat and other illnesses, it is imperative you come into our urgent care clinic for a proper diagnosis. This requires a rapid strep test or throat culture, in most cases.
If left untreated, strep throat can lead to more serious complications, including rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation. This is why it is so important you seek treatment at our urgent care clinic. A strep test is a very simple, quick procedure that will give us the information we need to treat you or your child with antibiotics. Since this condition is contagious, the last thing you want to do is ignore the symptoms, in turn getting other people sick. In most cases, strep throat is an infection that affects the throat and tonsils caused by group A strep bacteria. This type of bacteria lives in the nose and throat and can easily spread to others. However, not everyone who is infected with group A strep show symptoms.
Symptoms of Strep Throat
There are many different symptoms of strep throat, some of which will vary from person to person. If you have strep throat, you may develop a few or all of the following symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- High fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
These symptoms can take anywhere from three to five days to show up after exposure. If you have been around someone that you know has strep throat and you notice any of the above symptoms, come into Urgentology Care right away for a strep test. The sooner we catch the disease and get you treatment, the faster your recovery will be.
Causes of Strep Throat
As mentioned, strep throat is easily spread from one person to another, either from saliva or secretions of the group A strep bacteria. This can happen through coughing, sneezing, and even by touching other people or objects that have the bacteria on the surface. People who have a compromised immune system or are undergoing chemotherapy are at a higher risk, as are very young babies and pregnant women. If someone in your household or place of work has strep throat, do your best to avoid sharing items with them and be sure and wash your hands more than usual.
Treatment of Strep Throat
The most effective treatments for strep throat include antibiotics such as amoxicillin, penicillin, clindamycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin (known as the Z-pack). The urgent care physicians here at Urgentology Care can prescribe you with any of the above, ensuring your case of strep throat is treated as soon as possible. It is important to note that you are no longer contagious after 24 hours of taking the antibiotic. However, this is only the case if you take your antibiotic prescription exactly as instructed by your urgent care doctor.
Strep throat is different for children and adults, but both require treatment. To learn more or if you suspect you or your child has strep throat, please come into Urgentology Care today.
Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.