Lately, we have been seeing people coming to our New Britain AFC urgent care center with strep throat-like symptoms. It’s not necessarily COVID-19 or flu related. Strep throat is a different type of winter illness that can cause that scratch in your throat, and more.
This is why it is important to have a rapid strep test as a first step towards treatment. AFC Urgent Care New created this guide to help you keep the panic under control, understand symptoms of strep throat and how they differ from COVID-19.
What Is Strep Throat And Is It Contagious?
Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection. Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep). Group A strep bacteria are very contagious. Usually, people spread the bacteria to others through respiratory droplets or direct contact.
If you have a child, then most likely they can come home from school with it, if they’re not practicing frequent hand washing or distancing themselves from their friends who are sick!
Is Strep Throat related to COVID-19?
Strep Throat is not related to COVID- 19. Strep Throat isn’t viral like COVID-19, it’s bacterial. Symptoms of strep throat are often more severe when it comes to the throat and tonsils.
You should watch out for these symptoms when it comes to strep throat:
- A fever may begin suddenly and is often highest on the second day. You may have chills.
- Red sore throat, sometimes with white patches
- Swollen Uvula
- Gray furry tongue
- It may hurt to swallow.
- You may feel swollen, tender glands in your neck.
Other symptoms may include:
- General feelings of fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nausea
- Some strains of strep throat can lead to a scarlet fever-like rash. The rash first appears on the neck and chest, then it spreads over the body.
Viral infections like the flu, COVID-19 or a cold are usually accompanied by other respiratory symptoms that include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
How Do You Test For Strep Throat?
Just like COVID-19 rapid tests, AFC Urgent Care New Britain also offers a rapid strep test (throat swab) to see if strep grows from it. It’s important to know that strep throat is very common among children and can be recurring if precaution and aftercare is not taken. Rarely, people can spread group A strep bacteria through food that is not handled properly. It usually takes two to five days for someone exposed to group A strep bacteria to become ill with strep throat.
AFC Urgent Care New Britain Can Test You For Both COVID-19 And Strep Throat
AFC Urgent Care New Britain understands the confusion among the different winter illnesses out there. Whether it’s COVID-19, flu, cold or strep related, it’s best to get a proper diagnosis and tested here at our center.
We also highly suggest getting vaccinated. COVID-19 and flu vaccinations can’t cure the illness, but it can help and you are taking the extra precautions against these viral infections. Strep throat may sound like another hassle to deal with this winter, but the sooner you come in, the sooner treatment can start. Treatment for strep throat includes antibiotics to kill the bacteria that is causing it.
***We highly suggest taking your entire prescription. Even if you feel better, you don’t want to stop too soon because there still could be bacteria that can grow back and be more resistant.
We’re always here for you and can perform COVID-19 testing 7 days a week, no appointment needed to help rule that out too. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, scheduling an appointment can answer any concerts you may have.
