Strep throat is a common bacterial infection of the throat that can cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms. While most people consider a sore throat being the prime indication of strep, other symptoms like fever or fatigue are common as well. But does strep throat always cause a fever? This blog will cover the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of strep throat.
For same-day strep throat treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Short Hills. Our team of board-certified medical providers specialize in treating acute conditions, like strep throat, seven days a week. Simply walk into the clinic or check-in online to recover quickly!
Does Strep Throat Always Cause a Fever?
There are many symptoms associated with strep throat. While it’s common for individuals to experience a fever when infected with strep throat, it’s possible some people won’t have a fever at all. You can be infected with group A Streptococcus and experience no fever. In fact, it’s possible you may have little to no noticeable symptoms.
Strep throat symptoms can vary from person to person depending on various factors– including medical history and underlying medical conditions. At AFC Urgent Care Short Hills, we encourage all patients to be aware of strep throat symptoms in order to get treatment when necessary.
Besides a fever, other common strep throat symptoms include:
- Sore, dry throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swollen tonsils
- Difficulty swallowing
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Post-nasal drip
When To Seek Medical Care For a Sore Throat
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s a good idea to be medically checked out by a professional. This is especially true if your symptoms are worsening overtime, or not going away after a week. While these symptoms overlap with other common illnesses, like a common cold or flu, it can be difficult for patients to self-diagnose their symptoms and follow the right course of treatment.
So, we recommend anyone with strep throat symptoms to seek medical care. At an urgent care center, like AFC Short Hills, diagnostic testing allows for quick and accurate diagnoses of strep throat. Whether your results come back as positive or negative for strep throat, a medical provider can offer recommendations for care and prescribe the appropriate medication if necessary.
Strep Throat Diagnosis & Treatment Options
At an urgent care clinic, strep throat is easily diagnosed thanks to on-site labs. The infection is typically identified via a physical exam and diagnostic testing. When you visit a clinic with a suspected strep infection, your provider will most likely collect a sample from your throat for testing. Rapid strep tests provide accurate and fast results within the timeframe of your visit.
Once diagnosed, there are treatment options available to help clear the infection and alleviate your symptoms. The most effective regimen for treating strep throat is antibiotics. Your healthcare provider can prescribe the appropriate antibiotic treatment at your convenience. Be sure to complete the full course of medication to ensure the infection is fully cleared. In the meantime, you can also take OTC pain relievers, and get plenty of rest and hydration to help reduce any pain.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Short Hills for Strep Treatment
If you have any concern that you have a potential strep infection, come visit the team at AFC Urgent Care Short Hills for testing and treatment. Our walk-in clinic is a great resource for patients to receive affordable and convenient care. We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective treatment plans for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about strep throat treatment, or other urgent care services we provide, please call us directly at (973) 671-5350.
