Have you ever experienced the sudden onset of a sore throat so severe that swallowing is painful? If so, you might have been infected with strep throat– a common bacterial infection. Strep throats are different from just any regular sore throat but similar enough that people often tend to dismiss it as just the regular sore throat until the more serious symptoms hit them. One common question that arises when it comes to a strep infection is whether the symptoms come on suddenly or gradually.

For same-day strep throat testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange. We’re open seven days a week and operate on a walk-in basis meaning no appointments are required– just stop by today!

Understanding the Onset of Strep Throat 

Yes, strep throat symptoms can indeed come on suddenly. Streptococcal bacteria, specifically group A streptococcus, are responsible for causing strep throat. When these bacteria infect the throat and tonsils, they can lead to inflammation and a variety of symptoms. While the onset of strep throat symptoms can vary from person to person, many people report a sudden onset of symptoms within 1 to 3 days after exposure to the bacteria. The abrupt onset of symptoms is one of the distinguishing features of strep throat compared to viral throat infections. 

Strep Throat Warning Signs

Here are some common symptoms that can help you determine if you have been infected with strep throat.

1. Chills And Fever

Chills are a warning signal the body sends out in anticipation of a fever or a rise in the body’s core temperature. It can come suddenly and unexpectedly even during scorching weather. When you have chills, your body will begin to tremble, your teeth may clatter and goosebumps will rise. These are symptoms that you could notice after a strep infection since your body is trying to fight off the infection thereby increasing your core temperature. It can also result in loss of appetite, disorientation, muscle fatigue, and weakness in general.

2. Pain When Swallowing or Difficult Swallowing

This is an effect of an already sensitive throat and neck glands. Strep throat infections cause pain when swallowing, making it difficult for one to eat food, drink water, or swallow saliva. It can be very discomforting and irritating.

3. Red and Sore Throat

Strep throat Infections can be either mild or severe but they always tend to lead to sore throats. A red and sore throat is the most telling out of all the symptoms that a person has a strep infection. This soreness can persist for several days and you might even begin to notice red and white patches at the roof of the mouth.

4. Swollen Neck Glands

Another symptom of a strep throat infection is the appearance of swollen neck glands. These symptoms sometimes come before the sore throat and can be very uncomfortable. The area around the neck glands begins to swell up, becoming sensitive and leading to difficulty while eating, swallowing, and talking. It usually tends to go down after a few days if proper treatment is carried out.

Strep Throat Prevention And Treatment

As they always say, prevention is better than cure and to prevent the spread and contraction of strep infection, infected persons should stay home from school or work until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours. After this, change your toothbrush to prevent reinfection as the streptococcus bacteria can live on the toothbrush. Also ensure that utensils, toothbrushes, and chinaware are not being shared amongst family and friends.

Bacterial strep throat should be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed positive. To further help alleviate the pain of the sore throat, medical professionals advise that you should drink lots of warm liquids such as lemon tea with some honey. You can also gargle with warm salt water at least twice daily and use over-the-counter medications if pain persists. If the strep throat worsens or becomes recurring, consult a medical professional to prevent further complications.

Get Walk-In Strep Throat Treatment at AFC Urgent Care West Orange 

For more professional help with sore throats and bacterial infections, visit AFC Urgent Care West Orange. Our center is well-equipped to provide same-day testing and treatment for patients of all ages. Don’t ignore your symptoms! At AFC Urgent Care West Orange, all patients are seen promptly and treated by licensed and board-certified medical providers. Most major insurances are accepted and we offer affordable rates for our self-pay patients. For more information about strep throat treatment, or other services we provide, please give us a call at (973) 669-5900.