A sore throat is common in many different contagious illnesses. If flu-like symptoms or common cold symptoms accompany your sore throat, it’s possible you do not have strep. Continue reading to learn common symptoms & treatment options. Visit AFC Urgent Care North Bergen today to receive care and treatment for any symptoms you experience.
Symptoms of Strep Throat
No other symptoms will be present if you have strep throat. Symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, or body aches are common signs of a cold or the flu. A sore throat is also known to be a common symptom of COVID-19.
Symptoms of strep throat include:
- Pain in the throat and pain while swallowing
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- White patches in the throat
- Nausea (in children)
These symptoms usually come up suddenly. Cold symptoms will show up gradually and can range in their severity. Strep throat is also contagious. If you suspect you have it, avoid being around others and stay home.
Curing Strep Throat
The bacteria Group A Streptococcus causes strep throat. This can get into your system by coming in contact with the bacteria and then touching your mouth or nose. A strep test is used to diagnose strep throat. Your provider will swab the back of your throat and test it in our on-site lab. From there, a culture might be done. Rapid strep results are available in 15 minutes, whereas cultures may take a few days.
In order to cure strep throat, you must be prescribed an antibiotic from a provider at AFC North Bergen. Antibiotics are the most effective way to fight off bacteria. It is possible for strep throat to resolve itself, but the turnaround time without antibiotics can be weeks. Antibiotics will begin working within a few days.
If left untreated, the bacteria can spread to other parts of your body. This can cause infection in your tonsils, sinuses, blood, or middle ear. It’s important to receive care when feeling under the weather.
Relieving Sore Throat Symptoms
If you are experiencing other symptoms or your strep test comes back negative, there are some good ways to help relieve your symptoms.
- Be sure to drink plenty of water. This helps your immune system flush out any toxins.
- Some patients have seen success with gargling salted water.
- Use a humidifier if the air is dry.
- Drink warm tea with honey.
- Avoid any acidic or spicy foods that may irritate your throat further.
- Pain medications, such as ibuprofen, can help with swelling and pain. Anti-inflammatories help to reduce symptoms of a sore throat.
