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.