Does a Sore Throat Require Medical Care? Common Symptoms Caused by Strep Throat
Waking up with an irritated and sore throat can be frustrating. Having a sore throat is a common symptom of many different illnesses. However, a severe sore throat often indicates a case of strep throat. Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection that can lead to a severe sore throat, along with additional symptoms like a fever, and difficulty swallowing, with significant potential long term complications if untreated as well. Keep reading to learn more about common symptoms caused by strep throat and treatment options.
If you’re experiencing a severe sore throat, you should get evaluated by a doctor. Diagnostic lab testing can test for the presence of the bacteria that cause strep throat. Strep throat usually requires treatment with prescription antibiotics to clear up. For same-day sore throat diagnosis and treatment, walk into Priority 1 Urgent Care. Our urgent care clinic is open every day, including on weekends and most holidays, to provide your family with reliable same-day care. Walk in today, or save a spot online in advance using the button below.
Common Symptoms of Strep Throat
Sore throats are a common symptom. However, a severe sore throat may also indicate a case of strep throat. Along with pain and overall sick feelings, strep throat can make it difficult to eat and drink normally, making it imperative that patients seek medical care for proper treatment if they suspect they could have strep throat. Common symptoms of strep throat to be aware of include:
Sore throat
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Trouble swallowing
Swollen tonsils
White patches on the tonsils
Body aches
Chills
Stomach ache
Is Strep Throat Contagious?
Strep throat is very contagious. It can spread by sharing food or drinks with someone who is sick with strep throat, as well as airborne particles released when a sick person coughs or sneezes. Strep throat is very common in classrooms and on college campuses, however, it can affect anyone who comes into close contact with someone who is sick with strep throat.
Diagnosing and Treating Strep Throat
Strep throat can begin with mild symptoms. This often causes patients to not seek medical care in the early stages of the illness. However, early intervention will ensure that you begin treatment early, which can speed up your healing time.
Your doctor can test for strep throat using a simple swab of your throat. This allows them to check for the presence of the bacteria that causes strep throat. Based on the results and the overall clinical picture, treatment options for strep throat will often include a course of antibiotics to help clear up the infection. It is important to seek medical care if you think you could have strep throat because it is very contagious and you could spread it to others unknowingly.
Visit Priority 1 Urgent Care for Convenient Same-Day Strep Throat Diagnosis & Treatment
If you’re experiencing symptoms of strep throat, it is important that you seek medical treatment. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your symptoms and take a swab of your throat to test for strep throat. Without treatment, strep throat symptoms can be very painful and long lasting.
If you’re in need of convenient symptom diagnosis for a sore throat, walk into Priority 1 Urgent Care! Our walk-in clinic in Guilderland, New York, offers same-day sick care for patients of all ages. We don’t require patients to schedule an appointment in advance. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient. We work with many medical insurance plans, and have affordable rates for patients paying out-of-pocket. To learn more, give our office a call at (518) 867-8040.