“We’re seeing more patients than ever at our urgent-care centers who are reporting sore throats,” says Dr. Vincent Meoli, regional medical director of AFC in a recent interview.
With the Omicron variant making its way around Massachusetts you’re probably wondering if that’s the reason for your ‘sore throat’. However, it’s not not the only winter illness going around this season. We’re still seeing patients come in for colds, flu, and now, strep throat.
You may be wondering, Isn’t a sore throat the same thing as strep throat?
Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection called ‘Streptococcus pyogenes’. It’s not the same as your typical sore throat you get from a viral infection like flu, colds or COVID-19. If you have strep throat, antibiotics are needed in order to treat it. If you’re worried about a sore throat this winter, AFC Urgent Care Springfield is here to help with strep tests and knowledge for you to know the differences.
Symptoms of Strep Throat To Look Out For
Strep throat is caused by bacteria (group A streptococcus ). A fever may begin suddenly and is often highest on the second day. You may have chills and other symptoms like:
- Red sore throat, sometimes with white patches
- Swollen Uvula
- Gray furry tongue
- It may hurt to swallow
- You may feel swollen, tender glands in your neck
Other symptoms may include:
- General feelings of fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nausea
- Some strains of strep throat can lead to a scarlet fever-like rash. The rash first appears on the neck and chest, then it spreads over the body
But, What About COVID-19? Sore Throats Are Also Common!
Yes, but COVID-19 is a viral infection and is often accompanied by other respiratory symptoms like:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Congestion
- New loss of smell and/or taste
If you’re symptomatic and you can check off any of those symptoms, there is a good chance it’s COVID-19. Strep throat primarily focuses on the throat and tonsils and does NOT come with respiratory symptoms.
The Dreaded Strep Throat That Doesn’t Seem To Go Away
For some patients strep throat can still ‘linger’ for days or come back. That’s known as “recurring strep throat.” But, why does this happen?
If you are diagnosed with strep throat more than seven times in a single year, then it’s likely your doctor will consider a tonsillectomy. But even after the surgery, some people still develop strep. Along with being painful, this can mean many days of missed school or work. Possible reasons of recurring strep are:
- Antibiotic Resistance – Some forms of strep throat are resistant to the antibiotic that has been prescribed. Penicillin and cephalexin are the go-to antibiotics in the case of strep. If these don’t knock the bacteria out, your doctor will go a different route.
- Not taking ALL of your antibiotics! Some patients will stop taking their medication after they start feeling better. This is a huge mistake. Don’t give the bacteria a chance to develop a resistance to your medication. Knock it out by completing your medication cycle.
- Poor dental hygiene – Yes that’s right! After a strep diagnosis (or any contagious illness!) you should toss out your toothbrush for a new one. But that alone might not be good enough. Children are notorious for recurring strep throat because of interactions at school. Make sure your child is cleaning their hands and avoiding putting things in their mouths.
AFC Urgent Care Springfield Offers Rapid Strep Tests
Strep throat is painful. The good news is that most patients begin to see improvement shortly after treatment begins.
AFC Urgent Care in Springfield offers “rapid strep tests”. As the name indicates, the “rapid strep test” is a quick swab of the back of your throat that gives results in minutes. That means treatment can begin quickly and we’ll be able to prescribe antibiotics.
AFC Urgent Care Springfield is open seven days a week for patients of all ages, including flu vaccinations, diagnostic rapid molecular tests for COVID-19, physicals, on-site X-rays, care for minor bone breaks and burns, and stitches for cuts and lacerations, with no appointments needed.
Always here for our friends and families in the Springfield community.
