Sore throats are a common ailment, often attributed to a range of factors– from allergies to viral infections. However, when it comes to bacterial infections like strep throat, swift detection is crucial for effective treatment. Getting a strep throat test at an urgent care center plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your health and recovering quickly. In this blog, we’ll explain what you can expect during a strep test to help ease concerns and streamline the process.
Get a same-day strep throat test at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands. Our board-certified medical providers specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of common conditions, like flu, RSV, strep and more. Simply walk-in or plan your visit in advance by pre-registering online.
Understanding Strep Throat
Strep throat is caused by the Streptococcus bacteria and typically manifests as a severe sore throat. Unlike viral infections, such as the common cold, strep throat requires antibiotics treatment to prevent potential complications like rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. The infection can spread easily through close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can vary from person to person depending on the severity of infection and the overall health of the individual affected.
Common strep throat symptoms include:
- Sore Throat
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Fever
- Swollen Tonsils
- Headache / Body Aches
- Rash
The Strep Throat Test Process: What To Expect
When you visit an urgent care center with symptoms associated with strep throat, your medical provider will likely evaluate your condition and conduct a rapid strep test. Here’s what you can expect during the testing process:
1. Initial Assessment: Upon arrival, a healthcare provider will assess your symptoms, medical history, and vital signs. They may ask about your symptoms, specifically focusing on any throat discomfort, fever, and swallowing trouble.
2. Physical Examination: Your provider will conduct a physical assessment, including an inspection of your throat for redness, swelling, or pus on the tonsils– all common signs of strep.
3. Strep Test: The most common test to detect the presence of the strep bacteria is a rapid antigen test. It involves using a sterile swab to collect a sample from the back of your throat. The swab is analyzed for the presence of streptococcal antigens. The process is quick, painless, and typically yields results within minutes.
4. Consultation and Treatment: If the test confirms strep throat, your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options– often prescribing antibiotics. They will also provide guidance on symptom relief measures like pain relievers and throat lozenges. If the test comes back negative, it’s possible that your symptoms might be due to a viral infection or different underlying cause. In this case, supportive care– including rest, hydration, and OTC remedies– may be used to manage discomfort.
Get a Walk-In Strep Throat Test at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands
Visiting an urgent care center for a strep throat test is a proactive step toward timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While the test is relatively simple, this guide can help you know what to expect during your visit. If you suspect that you have strep throat, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands for a full medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan. The center is open seven days a week and never requires appointments. Just walk-in at your convenience! If you have any additional questions about strep throat testing, please call our medical office directly at (303) 477-6000.
