Strep throat is a type of bacterial infection that causes many unpleasant symptoms. If strep throat isn’t treated quickly, it can lead to a sinus infection, ear infection, and more! The key to controlling your strep throat symptoms and limiting the amount of time it keeps you away from work and school is early detection and treatment. 

Signs of Strep Throat

The signs of strep throat tend to come on very quickly, this is one of the best ways to tell the difference between normal sore throat caused from irritation and dryness versus strep throat. In addition to a sore throat that comes on suddenly, you may notice some of these symptoms: 

• Fever
• Body aches
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing 
• Red patches in the back of your throat
• White patches in the back of your throat, these are filled with pus 
• Red spots along the roof of your mouth 
• Swollen and sore lymph nodes 

Young children suffering from strep throat may also suffer from nausea and vomiting, but that’s uncommon in adults. 

Home Remedies 

Home remedies are not able to treat and cure strep throat, but they can make the symptoms more manageable while you go to get professional help. Try drinking hot tea or warm water with lemon and honey to soothe your throat. You can also take an over the counter pain medication to relieve some soreness. 

Seeking Treatment

If you believe you’re suffering from strep throat, it’s important to get treated as quickly as possible. Don’t wait to see if symptoms go away on their own – they won’t! Getting treated for strep is a quick and easy process. A physician will swab your throat, assess your symptoms, and if the swab comes back positive for strep throat, you’ll be prescribed a course of antibiotics to clear the bacterial infection.

The best place to seek quick and effective care for your strep throat is at a local urgent care center. You’ll be able to see the same day symptoms arise with no appointment needed, plus, you won’t leave worrying about a big medical bill! 

As we continue to head into early spring, one of the peak times for strep throat cases, remember to remain vigilant for these early warning signs of strep throat. Visit your local urgent care center or call them today if you have any questions about strep throat symptoms!