Some illnesses can be infectious even before their symptoms hit, and unfortunately, strep throat is one of them. The bacteria responsible for it, streptococcus, is known to infect people even when the host has yet to show any symptoms themselves. But more often than not, these people are often less contagious than those who display intense symptoms. This is because the bacteria haven’t had time to settle in and multiply. In this blog, we’ll explore how strep throat spreads, symptoms to be aware of, and tips for preventing infection.
For same-day strep throat treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark. Our center operates on a walk-in basis, meaning no appointments are required. Just stop by today!
How Does Strep Throat Spread?
Strep throat spreads through respiratory droplets from someone who is infected when they are talking, sneezing, or coughing. These droplets permeate through the air and spread the bacteria to anyone nearby. Overall, you can be infected with strep throat if you:
- Mistakenly breathe in droplets dispersed into the air by an infected person
- Sharing spoons, cups, or any other utensil that interacts with your mouth or face with someone already down with strep
- Interacting with skin lesions of infected people
- Touching an infected surface and not cleaning up afterward
Symptoms of Strep Throat
1. Swelling of The Glands and Tonsils In The Neck Area
The bacteria that is responsible for strep throat is so aggressive that it overwhelms the tonsils. This causes the immune system to hyper-produce white blood cells to fight it off. But, the problem is that this overproduction of white blood cells in the tonsils makes the tonsils start swelling and smarting rapidly. The signs of infected tonsils often manifest in the form of red and white spots. Apart from this, strep throat infections also cause glands from the lower jaw to the neck to swell, making it difficult to eat or swallow.
2. Fever and Chills
Feeling chills is a warning the body sends out in anticipation of a fever or a rise in the body’s core temperature. These are symptoms that you could notice after a strep infection since your body is trying to fight off the infection, thereby increasing your core temperature. Strep infections also result in high fevers.
3. Pain and Difficulty When Swallowing
As mentioned earlier, strep causes the glands and tonsils in the neck area to swell. This swelling not only makes those places sensitive, but also disrupts the ability to swallow, making it painful and difficult. Out of all the symptoms, this one might just be the most recognizable.
4. Red Spots and Stomach Problems
Strep infection can create the appearance of red spots on the roof of the mouth and tonsils. The high fever, headaches, and difficulty swallowing caused by strep throat can also lead to other issues such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and even dizziness.
5. Headache
The amount of stress and pain caused by swollen lymph nodes and glands can end up aggravating the headache that was already present. This headache will make the infected highly irritable and weak and, in some cases, adversely affect appetite and immunity.
How Do You Treat and Prevent The Spread of Strep?
- By practicing good oral hygiene
- Eating nutritious and well-balanced meals to boost your immunity
- Avoid sharing items like cups and spoons with an infected person
- Drinking warm liquids such as lemon tea or honey tea
- Staying hydrated and rested
- Gargle with salt at least once a day
- Make use of antibiotics to treat the infection.
If you suspect that you have strep from going over these symptoms listed above, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a professional diagnosis and prescribed treatment.
Get Walk-In Strep Throat Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Clark
Do you suspect that you have strep throat? Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark for same-day testing and treatment recommendations. Our medical team is available 7 days a week to examine your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and plan the best treatment possible. Our urgent care center is open every day and appointments are not required. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about strep throat treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (732) 301-5114.
