Lakewood Strep Throat Testing and Treatment Near Me

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Strep throat is a common bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacterium. Group A Streptococcus makes up only 20-30% of sore throats in children and 5-15% of sore throats in adults. It primarily affects the throat and tonsils, leading to symptoms such as a severe sore throat, pain when swallowing, and fever.

Strep throat is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets or by sharing food and drinks with an infected person. It is essential to seek prompt treatment to avoid complications and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others. Due to its bacterial origin, strep throat requires specific attention that viral infections do not.

Symptoms of Strep Throat

Patients with strep throat typically experience:

• Sudden and severe sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever
• Red and swollen tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Other symptoms may include headache, rash, and stomach pain, especially in children. If you or your child exhibits these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention to receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

When to Visit Urgent Care for Strep

You should visit urgent care if you have a persistent sore throat, high fever, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, or a rash. Urgent care centers provide convenient, walk- in access to medical care without the need for an appointment, making them an ideal choice for quick and efficient treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and help you feel better faster.

How Do You Test for Strep Throat?

At urgent care, strep throat is diagnosed through a physical examination and a rapid strep test. The rapid strep test involves a quick swab of the throat, with results available in minutes.

At AFC Urgent Care we use a rapid Molecular strep test that is extremely accurate and does not require a throat culture that must be sent to an external lab for confirmation. This is a much more accurate method than the commonly used rapid antigen test. This helps ensure that you received the correct treatment for your symptoms without having to wait days for culture results.

Strep Throat Treatment

Treatment for strep throat involves antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria and over-the- counter medications to relieve symptoms like pain and fever. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics even if you start feeling better, as this helps prevent complications and reduces the risk of spreading the infection to others. Your urgent care provider will also recommend rest, hydration, and other supportive measures to help you recover more quickly.

Prevention and Aftercare Tips

To prevent the spread of strep throat, practice good hand hygiene, avoid sharing utensils, and stay home when sick. After diagnosis, ensure you get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and complete your antibiotics. Follow up with your primary care provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being vigilant about hygiene can help reduce the risk of future infections.

FAQs

Is strep throat contagious?

Yes, strep throat is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets or sharing food and drinks. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny droplets containing the bacteria can be inhaled by others, leading to infection. Additionally, sharing utensils, cups, or even kissing can transfer the bacteria from one person to another. It's important to practice good hygiene, such as regular hand washing and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

How long does it take to recover?

With antibiotics, most people start feeling better within 48 hours, but it is important to complete the entire course of treatment. Antibiotics help eliminate the bacteria causing the infection and prevent complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. Even if symptoms improve significantly after a day or two, stopping the medication early can result in a relapse or development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Along with medication, rest, hydration, and throat soothing measures like warm teas and lozenges can aid in a quicker recovery.

Can strep throat go away on its own?

Strep throat can sometimes resolve on its own, but antibiotics are recommended to prevent complications and reduce the spread of infection. While some individuals might experience a natural resolution of symptoms, untreated strep throat can lead to serious health issues, including rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart valves, or post- streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which affects the kidneys. Antibiotics not only help in quicker recovery but also significantly decrease the likelihood of transmitting the infection to others, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

Contact Us Today

For prompt and effective treatment of strep throat, visit AFC Urgent Care Lakewood. For more information, call us or reserve your spot today. We are open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 8am to 5pm on weekends. Seeking timely treatment at our local urgent care can ensure you receive the care you need to recover quickly and prevent spreading strep throat to others.