Strep throat is a bacterial throat infection that can affect people of all ages. This throat condition is highly contagious, and it is essential individuals are aware of the symptoms so they will know if they need to seek a diagnosis and treatment from Sterling Urgent Care. With this guide, individuals will be prepared fully to take care of their health and receive the medical care they need.
What Are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?
Although not all sore throats result in strep, a sore throat is one of the symptoms of this bacterial infection. Below is information on some of the main symptoms a person may experience if they have strep throat and need to be seen at urgent care.
- A sore throat that often comes on very suddenly
- Difficult and painful swallowing
- High fevers
- Tonsils that are red, swollen, and have white patches or pus
- Tiny red dots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes at the front of the neck
Should a person notice any of the above symptoms, they need to seek testing from Sterling Medical Clinic. Knowing what to expect from diagnostics and treatment will help a person be prepared for their visit to the doctor.
How Is Strep Throat Diagnosed?
Strep throat is diagnosed with the use of a throat swab test. This test takes two forms. The first form is called a rapid strep test. In most cases, the results are accurate, but not always. The other test requires a culture to grow the bacteria. The results for the throat culture typically take twenty-four hours to come back.
What Is the Treatment For Strep Throat?
It is essential individuals receive immediate care for strep throat. If a person does not receive prompt care, they develop a damaging condition called rheumatic fever, which can end up causing heart valve damage and other related issues.
The treatment for strep throat involves the use of antibiotics like penicillin. Those antibiotics typically stop the symptoms after two to three days, but an individual will need to finish the full course of treatment so the bacterial infection is eradicated completely.
Seek Care Right Away
If a person believes they may have strep throat, it is important they seek testing right away so a proper diagnosis can be made. With the right treatment, individuals can begin to recover quickly and get back to their normal routine as soon as possible.
Comments
Post a Comment