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Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils that can give you similar symptoms similar to a common cold: sore throats, fever, coughing, etc. While strep throat is a common illness, especially among children, it can become complicated if left untreated properly. An AFC Raleigh Brier Creek provider cannot tell if you have strep throat just by looking at your throat. Only a test or throat culture can determine if strep is the cause of your sore throat symptoms.
A sore throat is the main sign you or your child has strep. With strep, the sore throat comes on quickly and is more likely to cause these other symptoms as well:
Call your doctor if you or a child in your care has these symptoms.
Colds and other viruses can also cause a sore throat. If you have a cough or runny nose, it is most likely a virus and NOT strep throat.
Strep throat spreads through close contact. You can infect yourself if you touch something a person with strep has coughed or sneezed upon and then brush your eyes, mouth, or nose with your hand. You can also get sick if you share a glass or other personal item with someone who has strep. Strep is most common in children and teens. Adults sometimes get it too.
Your AFC Raleigh Brier Creek provider will ask about your symptoms. The only sure way to tell strep from viruses that cause a sore throat is with a test. There are two kinds:
If you have strep throat, our AFC Raleigh Brier Creek provider will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause the infection. Most treatments last for about 10 days. The medicine can make your child's symptoms go away faster and help prevent complications. Make sure you finish the antibiotics. Stopping the medicine too early can leave some bacteria alive. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can ease the pain of strep throat and lower fever.
If the strep test is negative, a virus likely caused the sore throat. You do not need antibiotics because these medications don't work on viruses.
There are a number of things you can do at home to feel more comfortable:
AFC Raleigh Brier Creek recommends you stay home until the fever is gone and you have been taking the antibiotic for at least 24 hours. Other tips:
Better diagnosis and treatment have made strep complications rare. However, untreated strep can cause serious issues, such as:
With state-of-the-art centers and a professional medical team, AFC provides on-site X-rays, labs, procedures, and more!
Urgent care is for medical conditions that require prompt attention but do not pose an immediate threat to your health or life. Here is a simple rule of thumb: if your medical issues(s) are life threatening, call 911, or go directly to a hospital emergency room. If not, an urgent care center such as AFC is an excellent alternative.
CALL US TODAY | (919) 981-9788
Call (919) 981-9788 for more information about our Raleigh Brier Creek urgent care services.