Fort Collins Strep Throat Testing Near Me

Think you have strep throat? Our rapid strep test delivers extremely accurate test results in 6 minutes! No appointment needed, open 7 days.

What is Strep Throat? 

If you suspect you might have strep throat, don’t wait. Schedule your consultation now or walk right in for immediate testing and care at AFC Fort Collins. Our clinic is equipped with the latest technology to provide fast and accurate diagnosis and treatment for strep throat.

Strep throat, or streptococcal pharyngitis, is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. This infection primarily affects the throat and tonsils, causing inflammation and severe pain. Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through shared food, drinks, or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms of Strep Throat

The symptoms of strep throat can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

• Sore throat that starts quickly
• Pain when swallowing
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Fever
• Headache
• Rash
• Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children
• Body aches

Complications of Untreated Strep Throat

Early diagnosis and treatment of strep throat are crucial to prevent these complications. At AFC Fort Collins, we offer rapid strep tests that provide accurate results within minutes, allowing for timely intervention. Early treatment with antibiotics not only helps in reducing symptoms but also minimizes the spread of the infection to others.

If left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious health complications, including:

• Rheumatic Fever: A serious illness that can lead to heart damage, stroke, painful joints, a distinctive rash, and kidney damage.
• Kidney Inflammation: Known as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN), this kidney disease can result in anemia, dark red-brown urine, and high blood pressure.
• Abscesses: Pockets of pus that can develop around the tonsils or in the neck.
• Ear Infections: These can occur when the strep throat bacteria spread to the ears.
• Sinus Infections: Often mistaken for a cold, they can cause symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pressure, fatigue, and fever.

What is a Rapid Strep Test

A healthcare provider cannot confirm strep throat just by looking at your throat. One of the only reliable methods to identify strep throat is through a rapid strep test. This straightforward and speedy process involves swabbing the throat and running a test on the swab, providing quick results.

Rapid Strep Test

This involves taking a throat swab and running a test on the swab. As the name suggests, the rapid test quickly shows if strep bacteria are present, allowing for immediate treatment if positive. If the rapid strep test is positive, we will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. This helps to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and minimize the risk of spreading the infection to others.

Throat Culture

If the rapid test is negative but symptoms persist, we may recommend a throat culture. This process takes up to 48 hours but can detect infections that the rapid test might miss, ensuring a thorough diagnosis.

Comprehensive Strep Throat Care at AFC Fort Collins 

At AFC Fort Collins, our dedicated team of healthcare professionals is here to provide comprehensive care for strep throat. From accurate testing to effective treatment, we ensure you receive the highest quality care promptly.

1. Convenient Strep Testing: Open 7 days a week with extended hours, no appointment necessary.
2. Experienced Providers: Our medical staff is experienced in diagnosing and treating strep throat, ensuring you receive expert care.
3. Fast and Reliable Testing: With on-site rapid strep tests and throat cultures, we offer quick and reliable diagnosis.

Get Strep Throat Treatment Today 

If you are experiencing symptoms of strep throat, don’t delay. Visit AFC Fort Collins for prompt testing and treatment. Walk in anytime or schedule your appointment online. Our team is ready to help you get back to feeling your best.

Your health and well-being are our top priority, and we are here to provide the care you need when you need it most.