Strep throat, a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, is a common ailment that can leave you feeling downright miserable. Primarily characterized by a persistent sore throat, strep can disrupt your daily routine and leave you seeking relief. When faced with the discomfort of strep throat, many people wonder if it resolves on its own or if this condition requires professional care. In this blog, we’ll outline the symptoms of strep and when it might be necessary to seek medical attention.
For same-day strep throat testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl. Our board-certified medical providers are here seven days a week to provide quality care when you need it most. Simply walk-in or plan your visit in advance by checking-in below.
Understanding Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that primarily causes pain in the throat. Some people may experience mild symptoms of strep and wonder if they can simply wait it out. While it’s true that some cases of strep throat can be mild, the infection can possibly worsen over time if not properly treated. Even mild cases of strep can be highly contagious, spreading the infection to others through close personal contact. The symptoms of strep throat can vary from person to person depending on the severity of infection and the overall health of the individual affected.
Common symptoms of strep throat include:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Chills
- Pain when swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Nausea
Does Strep Throat Require Medical Treatment?
While some viral infections, like the flu or common cold, often resolve on their own without medical intervention, strep throat is different. Unlike viral infections, a bacterial strep throat infection typically requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications and aid recovery. Strep can lead to potential complications if left untreated, such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. Antibiotics are necessary to kill the bacteria causing the infection and reduce the risk of these complications. Additionally, treating strep throat with antibiotics can help alleviate symptoms faster and reduce the duration of illness– allowing you to return to your normal activities sooner.
How To Relieve Strep Throat Symptoms At Home
Delaying treatment for strep throat can lead to prolonged discomfort. By seeking prompt medical care and starting antibiotic treatment as soon as possible, you can greatly minimize the impact of strep throat on your daily life and prevent the spread of the infection to others. While taking antibiotics, there are several measures you can take at home to alleviate symptoms and help support your recovery from this illness.
Focus on supportive care during this timeframe. This includes giving your body plenty of rest to fight off the infection. Stay hydrated to help soothe your throat. Additionally, you may find relief by gargling with warm salt water, using lozenges, and avoiding irritants like smoke. While these remedies can provide some relief, they should not be considered a substitute for medical treatment.
Get Same-Day Strep Throat Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl
If you suspect that you have strep throat, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation and treatment from a healthcare provider to ensure proper management of the infection. Strep does not typically heal on its own, and seeking prompt medical care can help minimize symptoms and aid recovery. If you are suffering from strep throat symptoms, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl for testing and care. Our board-certified medical providers can examine your condition and plan the best treatment possible so you can recover quickly. We’re open seven days a week and appointments aren’t required– just walk-in! If you have any additional questions about strep throat treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (720) 818-8010.
