Understanding and Addressing Strep Throat
Strep Throat Diagnosis and Treatment at Afterhours Urgent Care Center
If you’re experiencing severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and overall malaise, it might not just be a common sore throat; it could be strep throat. At Afterhours Urgent Care Center, we’re equipped to diagnose and treat strep throat, helping you or your loved one return to health as soon as possible.
Most sore throats are caused by viral infections and are accompanied by a runny nose, cough and other upper-respiratory complaints.
What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus. This infection leads to intense throat soreness and difficulty swallowing. It’s highly contagious, especially in communal settings, and prevalent during late fall and early spring. Symptoms can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or sharing items like utensils, making hygiene practices crucial.
Recognizing Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep throat symptoms can appear suddenly and include:
- Sore throat and difficulty swallowing
- Red or swollen tonsils
- Tiny red spots in the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever, headache, body aches, or chills
- Nausea or vomiting, particularly in children
Diagnosing Strep Throat: Rapid Testing and Cultures
We utilize two main tests for diagnosing strep throat:
- Rapid Antigen Test: Provides quick results by testing a throat swab for antigens.
- Throat Culture: If the rapid test is negative but strep is still suspected, a throat culture is sent to a lab for bacterial analysis.
Our medical team will also review your symptoms and medical history for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Effective Treatment for Strep Throat
If strep throat is confirmed, antibiotic treatment such as penicillin or amoxicillin is prescribed. Improvement usually occurs within 48 hours of starting antibiotics. If symptoms persist, further consultation with our healthcare providers is advised.
Home Care and Prevention
While recovering, consider:
- Rest and hydration
- Eating soft, soothing foods
- Gargling with warm salt water
- Using throat lozenges or sprays for relief
To prevent strep throat, practice frequent handwashing, avoid close contact with infected individuals, and use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
Your Health, Our Commitment At Afterhours Urgent Care Center, we’re dedicated to providing prompt, compassionate care for strep throat and other illnesses. Trust us to offer the medical support you need, when you need it.
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