Although strep throat can be rather bothersome, knowing how long it remains contagious after taking antibiotics will help you treat the illness and keep others safe. If you have this irritating throat problem, you may be asking when you can put an end to your concerns about infecting other people. Let's explore the information you should know about the infectious phase and how to resume your routine.
For same-day sore/strep throat treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cortez. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week, allowing patients to walk in at their convenience– no appointment necessary. If you’d like to plan your visit in advance, simply pre-register below.
Strep Throat Symptoms and Treatment
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils, causing discomfort and pain. It is primarily caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, which is highly contagious through respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated surfaces. Your first line of treatment for strep throat is an antibiotic. Penicillin and amoxicillin are examples of medications that target and eliminate the bacteria causing your sore throat. These medications start to take effect as soon as you take them, improving your condition and lowering your risk of infecting others.
Common symptoms associated with strep throat include:
- Sudden and severe sore throat
- White patches or pus on tonsils
- Fever
- Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes
- Headache and body aches
How Long Are You Contagious?
Strep throat is extremely contagious before antibiotics are used. When you cough or sneeze, microscopic droplets in the air can transfer the virus. Even if you start to feel a little better, you remain contagious without treatment for two to three weeks. But things get different when you start taking antibiotics. After just one day of taking the drug, the majority of patients stop being contagious. The antibiotics work fast to reduce the amount of bacteria in your body and significantly lower your risk of infecting someone else.
Finishing the entire course of antibiotics is crucial, even if you start feeling better before using all your pills. Stopping too early can lead to a comeback of the infection or contribute to antibiotic resistance. So, stick with the plan and take your medicine as directed to ensure a complete recovery.
Tips To Avoid Spreading Strep Throat
While you’re on the mend, good hygiene goes a long way. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, avoid close contact with others, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. These simple steps can help keep the infection from spreading and help you to feel like yourself faster. Getting checked out is a good idea if you’re unsure whether you have strep throat or your symptoms hang around despite taking antibiotics. Urgent care centers are great for quick evaluations and can offer the proper treatment to get you back on track. They can also address any worries about complications or issues with your treatment.
Get Walk-In Strep Throat Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Cortez
Knowing how long strep throat is contagious with antibiotics helps you manage the infection and prevent spreading it to others. Following your antibiotic regimen and practicing good hygiene will protect those around you and speed up your recovery. If concerns or symptoms persist, visit an urgent care center for prompt, expert treatment to get back to health quickly. At AFC Urgent Care Cortez, we understand that illnesses can arise unexpectedly. That’s why we’re open seven days a week with walk-in clinic access for all patients near Cortez, CO. Visit the center for quality, affordable, and convenient healthcare services. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for those without. If you have any additional questions about strep throat treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (970) 516-5500.
