It’s true that strep throat is much more common among children, but adults can get it, too! It’s also true that it can be difficult to tell if you have strep throat, as symptoms can sometimes closely mirror a common cold.

Read on for some helpful information from our AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail team about strep throat and when you should consider getting a rapid strep test!

Is It Possible That I Might Just Have a Sore Throat?

Yes, it’s possible, but there is one symptom to be on the lookout for: a cough. While a sore throat is a common symptom of both strep throat and a common cold, a cough is only a cold symptom—not a strep-throat symptom.

If you have a painful sore throat without a cough, visit our AFC center! If one of our doctors suspects that you may have strep throat, he or she will likely perform a rapid strep test to confirm his or her diagnosis. Our strep tests provide reliable results (which we elaborate on below) and aren’t usually painful. We’ve listed a few more symptoms that aren’t typical among strep throat cases below

Ways to Tell If Your Sickness Is a Cold

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Red or watery eyes
• Sneezing

Are Rapid Strep Tests Accurate?

Yes! According to sources, the rapid strep test has a 98% specificity, which means that 98 of 100 positive tests are correct.

In addition to rapid strep tests, our AFC center provides accurate flu and COVID-19 tests, which all provide results in 15 minutes or less without a necessary appointment. If you believe you may have one of these illnesses, don’t wait to visit us today! Before you visit us, though, make sure you limit your spread of germs to keep yourself and others as healthy as possible.

Ways to Limit the Spread of Germs

• Stay home except to get tested or for medical care.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or shirt sleeve.
• Wash your hands often.
• Avoid sharing personal items and food with others.

Feeling under the weather? Visit our AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail center today to get a rapid test!