Strep throat is a common ailment that occurs when the throat is infected with bacteria. The infection affects both the throat and tonsils and causes a persistent sore throat that can linger for weeks. While strep throat can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily life, there are effective treatment options to clear the infection. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with strep throat, it’s important to monitor the symptoms to ensure the condition is improving.
For same-day strep throat diagnosis and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Bedford. Our medical team specializes in detecting the infection and providing personalized treatment plans to make you feel better fast. Simply walk-in today!
Common Signs and Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and soreness in the throat. The symptoms of the infection can vary from person to person depending on the severity and any underlying health concerns.
Common symptoms of strep throat include:
- Sudden and severe sore throat
- Painful swallowing
- Swollen tonsils / lymph nodes
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
Strep Throat Improvement Signs To Look For
One of the most common symptoms of strep throat is pain and discomfort in the throat and tonsils. If you notice a decrease in the overall irritation, it’s a good sign that strep throat is improving. A sore throat can be very uncomfortable, but as treatment begins to set in, these symptoms should start to subside. If you find it easier to swallow, or that the soreness is less severe, your strep infection should be clearing effectively. Furthermore, a decreased fever is another sign that strep is improving. You may notice that you feel cooler, or are no longer experiencing hot sweats or chills.
Additionally, your overall energy levels should begin to pick back up when recovering successfully from strep throat. When you’re sick, your body tends to feel drained and fatigued as your immune system naturally fights off the infection. Other improvement signs include a reduction in swollen lymph nodes and a decrease in the other symptoms listed above.
Not Feeling Better? Here’s What To Do
It’s important to note that all your symptoms may not improve at the same rate. Some symptoms, like the soreness in your throat, may take longer to subside than others. In some cases, it’s also possible that your symptoms will temporarily worsen before improving as your body fights off the infection. However, if you have concerns that your symptoms are worsening to a point of severity, or lasting longer than a week, it’s important to seek medical attention.
If you have been letting your strep throat infection pass without treatment, and your symptoms haven’t improved, visit a healthcare provider for the appropriate medication. A provider can prescribe antibiotics to effectively treat the infection. With antibiotics, strep throat will clear up in a matter of days. Additionally, your provider can also determine whether or not there’s another condition present that is causing your lingering symptoms and plan the proper care.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Bedford For Strep Throat Treatment
If you suspect that you have strep throat, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Bedford for proper diagnosis and treatment options. Our team specializes in all preventative and immediate urgent care services, seven days a week. Bring your whole family into the clinic to be treated accordingly. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-costs for those without. If you have any additional questions about strep throat, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (781) 430-8161.
