Strep throat is a common and highly contagious infection caused by the group A Streptococcus bacteria. It can lead to a sore throat, fever, and other uncomfortable symptoms. If you’ve been exposed to someone with strep throat, you may wonder how soon symptoms will appear and what to do if you start feeling unwell. Understanding the timeline of strep throat symptoms can help you recognize the illness early and seek the appropriate treatment.
For same-day strep throat treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills. Our center is open seven days a week and appointments are not required. If you’d like to plan your visit in advance, simply pre-register below!
The Incubation Period of Strep Throat
The time between exposure to the strep bacteria and the onset of symptoms is called the incubation period. For strep throat, this period typically ranges from 2 to 5 days. During this time, the bacteria are multiplying in the body, but you might not feel sick yet. For example, if you were exposed to someone with strep throat on a Monday, you could start experiencing symptoms as early as Wednesday or as late as Saturday. Keep in mind that the exact timing can vary depending on factors like your immune system and the amount of bacteria you were exposed to.
What Causes Strep Throat?
The bacteria that cause strep throat are strains of bacteria called Group A streptococcus. This bacteria can be spread easily by an infected individual. Droplets can be released into the air and spread to other people through coughing, sneezing, and even talking. You can also be infected if you share cups, plates, and utensils with an infected individual. It’s possible to spread strep throat even before you develop symptoms. During the incubation period, the bacteria can be present in your saliva and respiratory droplets. Once symptoms begin, the risk of spreading the infection increases.
Early Strep Throat Symptoms To Watch For
When symptoms do appear, they often come on suddenly. The most common early warning signs of strep throat include:
- Fever: Like most illnesses that affect the body, strep throat often causes a raise in body temperature to 101°F or higher.
- Headache: Getting a headache is also another common symptom and when it comes to strep throat infections. They are often mild to moderate.
- Swollen Tonsils and Lymph Nodes: When the tonsils become inflamed with strep bacteria, they begin to swell. This can also manifest in the form of red and white spots on your tonsils. Strep throat infections also cause the glands on your lower jaw to your neck to swell.
- Pain and Difficulty When Swallowing: Due to the swollen tonsils and neck glands, it becomes very difficult to swallow. This is one of arguably the most recognizable symptoms of sore throat.
In some cases, people with strep throat may also develop a fine, red rash known as scarlet fever or experience nausea and vomiting, which is particularly common in children.
How To Prevent and Treat Strep Throat
You can prevent strep throat infections by avoiding sharing the same utensils as an infected person, following a healthy diet, and practicing regular oral hygiene. To protect yourself and others, be sure to:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Don’t share utensils, cups, or personal items
- Cover your month when coughing or sneezing
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires prescribed antibiotics. Strep throat is usually diagnosed by the use of a throat swab test and most cases usually last from around three to five days. If any of these symptoms do appear, seek a professional diagnosis and treatment plan from a medical professional.
Get Walk-in Strep Throat Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills
If you develop symptoms of strep throat, don’t wait to seek care. Urgent care centers can provide rapid testing and treatment to help you feel better quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in your recovery and help prevent complications. By understanding when symptoms of strep throat start after exposure, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and the health of those around you. If you’re experiencing symptoms, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills! We’re open seven days a week and operate on a walk-in basis, meaning you don’t need to make an appointment prior to visiting. If you have any additional questions about our services, please contact our team directly at (303) 756-4500.
