Strep throat is pretty common and usually goes away by itself after a couple of days. Strep throat is when you have a very severe sore throat, and it is usually caused by a bacterial infection. The name "strep" is derived from the word "Streptococcus Pyogenes," which is the infection that causes the ailment.
The crazy thing about bacteria-induced infection is that it can come at any time, which means that you can't exactly tell when it will leave. Besides, it can be super discomforting, and recovery depends on a lot of factors like age, health condition, body type, environmental exposure, etc.
The providers at AFC Urgent Care Short Hills can test for and help treat strep throat. We can provide testing via a rapid test or a culture for more accurate results. Visit our walk-in center today for treatment.
Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep throat usually comes from nowhere, and you just find yourself feeling serious pain in your throat. Swallowing becomes a difficult task, and you dread eating.
In addition to sore throat, some basic symptoms are headaches, slight fever, pains in the abdomen, swollen lymph nodes, itchy throat, nausea, and vomiting (in very severe cases).
How Long Does Strep Throat Last?
You can't tell precisely how long strep throat lasts because it sneaks up on you. Usually, it lasts between seven to ten days and goes away on its own. The symptoms are generally at a peak level between the second to fourth days, so you shouldn't be too worried when your symptoms suddenly spike up.
If your strep throat persists for more than ten days, you should really see a doctor or a health practitioner. They will prescribe the antibiotics that can be used to combat the ailment. Antibiotics work wonders if they are taken early (within the second or third day), but they should only be taken when prescribed by a licensed health practitioner.
Antibiotics are potent medications; they should not be purchased randomly. Also, you need a doctor to tell you the antibiotic to use and the dosage to take.
Can Strep Throat be Contagious?
Yes, strep throat is highly contagious because of the infection class it falls under. It can be contacted by sharing utensils and food with an individual with the infection. It could also be contracted by coming in contact with fluid droplets of infected individuals from sneezing or coughing.
Touching sensitive areas of your body, like your face, with an unwashed hand that has come in contact with the infection is also a way to contact it.
Conclusion
If you find out that you have strep throat, you don't need to be scared. Just have lots of rest, drink lots of hot or warm liquid to soothe the soreness, and eat lots of fruits. You should be fine in no time.
