During the fall, there are a wide range of illnesses circulating that you may encounter. Anything from the common cold to the stomach bug and even the flu are all very contagious illnesses that are commonly seen this time of year. The cooler fall weather and back-to-school season both cause illnesses to spread like wildfire. Sometimes, due to the increase in illnesses during this time of year, it can be difficult to determine what you’re sick with, how to treat it and when to seek medical attention. This article discusses the common causes and symptoms of strep throat, what it is often confused with and when you should seek medical care for strep throat treatment.
Common Causes & Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacteria is highly contagious, usually through the sharing of food or drinks. It can also be spread by droplets that occur from coughing and sneezing.
Although it can happen throughout the year, the most common times for strep throat are winter and spring. At-risk groups for serious infections include young children. Be prepared and understand the causes and symptoms of strep throat.
Common Strep Throat Symptoms Include:
- Fever
- Pain or inability to swallow
- Redness in the throat and on the tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Red dots on the roof of the mouth
- White spots on the tonsils
Strep throat symptoms can be very painful and they require medical attention for accurate diagnosis and medical treatment.
Sore Throat Treatment at Urgent Care
Sore throats can be caused from a variety of viral infections in addition to strep throat. Unlike strep throat, viral infections usually are fought off by your immune system and do not require treatment to resolve their symptoms.
Common viral infections that cause sore throats include:
- Common Cold
- Influenza
- COVID-19
Although they do not require medical treatment to resolve, sore throats caused by viral infections can still be painful. There are a variety of home remedies for resolving a sore throat at home such as gargling salt water, drinking warm beverages or using an over the counter throat spray.
Strep Throat Treatment & Prevention
If you do find yourself with symptoms that you believe could be strep throat, seeking medical care early will help prevent further symptom development. Strep throat does not resolve on its own and requires a round of antibiotics prescribed by your medical provider to get rid of the infection.
Following common hygiene guidelines like proper handwashing, surface disinfecting and avoiding people who may be infected are all good ways to reduce your risk of getting strep throat. If you think you may have strep throat, it is important to isolate if possible and avoid sharing food and drinks until your symptoms disappear completely or until you seek proper medical treatment.
Get Strep Throat Symptom Diagnosis & Treatment at Urgent Care
If you think you may have strep throat, seeking medical treatment early for diagnosis is the best way to protect yourself from further symptom development. Strep throat is very common as the weather cools down, and very contagious.
AFC Urgent Care Paramus is here to help provide reliable medical care through our full service facility. Our board-certified medical professionals are available 7 days a week with extended business hours. All you have to do is walk-in. If you have any additional questions about strep throat treatment, please contact us directly at (201) 262-2010.
