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How Do You Know If You Have Strep Throat? Symptoms and Signs to Recognize
What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat can cause many different symptoms beyond those of a typical sore throat. Also known as “streptococcal pharyngitis,” strep throat is an infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria that can be spread through contact with an infected individual from salivary spray, often through coughing or sneezing. This can be an uncomfortable condition that lasts between 5-to-8 days, and is usually eased with proper antibiotic treatment.
Compared to causes for a sore throat, strep throat is different because it is caused by a bacteria infection rather than a viral infection. At CareFirst Urgent Care, we can diagnose and prescribe the proper antibiotics for adults and children who have strep throat.
We offer convenient walk-in service and our typical patients are in and out of our offices in under 45 minutes, so that you will be able to get back to doing the important things in your day.
How Is Strep Throat Spread?
The bacteria responsible for strep throat is spread primarily through contact. Infection rates are very common because the bacteria responsible has an incubation period of 2-to-5 days where you are contagious—but still may not feel any symptoms. If you are either around others who are not covering their mouths when sneezing or coughing, or those who do not wash their hands, you are at risk of contracting the bacteria.
What Are The Symptoms Of Strep Throat?
Compared to a typical sore throat, with strep throat, you can have a number of different symptoms. In addition to having a sore throat, you may also experience:
- Fever
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Fatigue
Notice that coughing is not listed as a symptom. Unlike viral throat infections, the bacteria that causes strep throat does not impact the lower respiratory tract, which is the main cause for coughing. Symptoms of coughing help to determine whether your infection is bacterial or viral.
Kids and adults may also experience fatigue and stomach discomfort when infected with strep throat. Toddlers who have this condition may show signs of increased irritability.
Strep Management and Treatment
When you are at home, gargling a salt water mixture can help provide relief for strep throat symptoms. Hot tea with honey can also have a soothing effect on the throat. If you are experiencing fever, or pain and discomfort from the infection, you can take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.
Urgent care centers are among the best places to get tested for strep throat. CareFirst Urgent Care offers quick help with walk-in availability and treatment times (often under 45 minutes door-to-door) that allow you to get prompt and personalized treatment and diagnosis for strep throat.
What To Expect When You Visit An Urgent Care For Strep Throat
- When you are seen by one of our clinicians, they will perform a physical exam that involves looking at your throat and checking for any swelling of the lymph nodes, inflamed tonsils, or a swollen uvula.
- After a physical exam of your mouth and throat, the physician will perform a rapid antigen test to confirm if strep throat is the cause. A rapid strep test consists of a swab exam that provides results in as little as 15 minutes.
- Once strep throat is confirmed from the test, your clinician will prescribe antibiotics to help the healing process and treat the infection.
- You will be prescribed antibiotics for a longer period of time than you will feel symptomatic. It is incredibly important to continue taking these antibiotics for the entire prescribed period to ensure the infection is completely gone. Otherwise, it may resurface or possibly even spread to others.
Urgent care centers are equipped to evaluate symptoms, rule out more serious illnesses, and provide guidance on effective over-the-counter treatments. Find a CareFirst location near you today! We offer walk-in availability and accept all insurances to make your visit fast and accessible.