Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by “Streptococcus pyogenes” (group A streptococcus). It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Sharing utensils, drinks, or close physical contact can also transmit the bacteria. Common symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, making early detection and treatment crucial to prevent its spread. Understanding its contagious nature and practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection and protect others nearby. If you’re experiencing symptoms of strep throat, visit AFC Urgent Care Farmington. Our walk-in urgent care clinic provides same-day strep throat diagnosis and treatment to patients near Farmington, NM, all without having to schedule an appointment in advance. Walk-in today!
What are the Most Common Symptoms of Strep Throat?
Strep throat can lead to a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Symptoms typically appear within a few days of exposure and can last up to 2 weeks without proper care. Unlike other infections that lead to a sore throat, strep throat can be very painful and impair your ability to swallow. While you will experience a severe sore throat if you have strep throat, there are many additional symptoms you should be aware of so that you know when to seek medical treatment.
Common symptoms of strep throat include:
- Pain and difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Headache
- Fatigue
How Contagious is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person, especially in close-contact environments. Sharing utensils, drinks, or personal items can also spread the infection. People with strep throat are most contagious during the first 1-2 days after symptoms appear and remain so until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours. Without treatment, the bacteria can remain contagious for 2-3 weeks. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection.
Tips for Recovering from Strep Throat
Recovering from strep throat requires a combination of proper medical treatment and self-care. Strep throat is a bacterial infection, so it typically requires medical treatment. Not only will antibiotics help your symptoms go away faster, but they also will prevent your illness from spreading to others.
Here are some tips to help you manage your symptoms while you recover:
- Complete the prescribed antibiotics: Take the course as your doctor directs, even if you start feeling better, to fully eradicate the infection.
- Rest: Give your body time to heal by getting plenty of sleep and avoiding strenuous activities.
- Stay hydrated: Drink fluids like water, herbal teas, or broths to soothe your throat and prevent dehydration.
- Use soothing remedies: Gargle with warm salt water, suck on throat lozenges or drink warm tea with honey to ease throat pain.
- Eat soft foods: Choose easy-to-swallow foods like soups, mashed potatoes, or yogurt to avoid irritating your throat.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Farmington for Strep Throat Treatment in Farmington, NM
If you’re experiencing symptoms of strep throat, it is important that you seek urgent medical care. Delaying treatment can result in your symptoms continuing to worsen over time and can spread your infection to others. AFC Urgent Care Farmington offers patients near Farmington, NM, same-day strep throat diagnosis and treatment. We never require that you schedule an appointment in advance. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you - we maintain short wait times.
