We’re in the middle of peak strep throat season right now and there’s no better time to brush up on your strep throat knowledge. Knowing the facts about strep throat can help you avoid catching it and know what to do if you do catch it. There’s a ton of information about the illness, but we’ve put together the most important facts that you need to know. 

What Are the Signs of Strep Throat?

Strep throat causes a sore throat among other things. One of the most stand-out signs of strep throat is that the symptoms come on very quickly and strong, unlike other sore throats that may come on gradually over time. Strep throat symptoms include: 

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Body aches
• Nausea 
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Red spots on the roof of your mouth
• White patches along the back of your throat
• Headache
• Cough 
• Runny nose

Not every case o strep throat is the same so you may only have some of these symptoms, or you might be one of the unlucky few to get them all. 

How Do You Get Strep Throat?

Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection. This means that to get strep throat, you have to be exposed to the bacteria that causes it. this occurs easily in indoor spaces that contain larger groups of people. Children have the highest number of strep throat cases because schools provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The best way to avoid strep throat is to keep your distance from people you know are sick and regularly wash your hands throughout the day. 

What Are My Treatment Options?

If you think you have strep throat it’s important to seek treatment quickly to prevent spreading the illness to others. Before you can receive treatment, you’ll need to be tested to confirm the presence of a bacterial infection. Once you’ve been diagnosed, you’ll get a script for antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection. Along with antibiotics, you might find that over the counter pain relievers or throat lozenges can make your symptoms more manageable. 

Walk-In Strep Throat Treatment in Cedar Grove, NJ

When strep throat symptoms hit, you should get treated as quickly as possible. Instead of waiting to get seen by a primary care physician or filling an ER waiting room for something that’s not actually an emergency, visit AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove! You can receive the same quality treatment in a more time efficient and affordable setting. For questions, please call 973-239-2300.