Strep throat can happen very quickly after exposure. It typically takes up to three days for symptoms to begin. In short, strep throat is contagious between people. If you think you may have strep throat, visit AFC Urgent Care Malden. We are able to provide rapid strep tests and can provide prescriptions for treatment.

Strep Throat Symptoms

Strep throat is caused by bacteria and is more common among children than adults. Symptoms come on very quickly after exposure and typically begin between three to five days after initial exposure. Signs of strep throat can include:

• Painful sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Red, swollen tonsils that sometimes have white patches on them
• Red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Fever with body aches

Strep throat is generally not serious, but it can be very painful. If a patient begins to experience pain while breathing, a fever higher than 101 degrees, a sore throat that lasts longer than a week, or blood in the saliva, it is best to seek medical attention from a doctor. Visit AFC Urgent Care Malden if you begin to experience these symptoms.

How it Spreads

Strep throat is extremely contagious. It is easy to catch when close to others, as it spreads through respiratory droplets. If these droplets are inhaled, a person is likely to contract strep throat. It can also occur through sharing a drink or food or by touching your nose or mouth after touching an infected surface. Children are more likely to get strep as they are closer to other children in schools and daycares. Due to this, the parents of children who get strep are also more likely to catch it.

Treatment Options

Since bacteria causes strep throat, it is easily treated with antibiotics. Typically, a patient will begin to feel better after just a few days of using the antibiotics. Cases are typically no longer contagious after the fever is gone, and they have been taking antibiotics for 24 hours.

It is possible your sore throat is caused by a virus instead. In this case, it is best to take over-the-counter medications, as antibiotics will not help. Medications such as Advil or Tylenol can help reduce pain and inflammation, as well as reduce a fever. There are certain medications that are designed specifically to numb the throat. Lozenges, throat spray, or cough syrup can all help to reduce pain in a sore throat. Drinking plenty of water and clear, warm liquids can help speed up the recovery process.