Strep throat symptoms can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Although this condition is more common in children, it can be contracted at any age. MainStreet Family Care is here to educate you on all of the symptoms, as well as ways to treat and prevent strep throat.
Strep Throat Symptoms
Common symptoms of strep include the following:
- Throat pain with quick onset
- Fever
- Tiny red or white spots on the back of the throat
- Swelling, redness, and pain in the hard palate of the mouth
- Swollen glands and tonsils
- Headache
- Rash or hives
- Body aches
- Pain when swallowing
- Scarlet fever (caused by the same bacteria that causes strep)
Some people may experience coughing or sneezing, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea when they have strep throat.
What Causes Strep Throat?
Group A Streptococcus bacteria cause strep when it gets into the nose and throat. This bacteria mostly affects the throat and tonsils, causing them to become inflamed and painful.
How Is Strep Diagnosed?
If you have a sore throat or think you have strep throat, you should visit a provider to get the proper diagnosis and treatment. Strep throat can be dangerous if left untreated.
MainStreet Family Care offers strep testing and treatment in our urgent care services, and we would love to help you heal and feel better, FAST!
This condition is diagnosed by completing a strep culture or rapid strep test. The provider will swab the inside of the throat with a throat swab and then send it off for further testing. If the test is positive, you will then need antibiotic treatment.
Treating Strep Throats
Strep throat requires your provider to prescribe antibiotics as the condition will likely not go away on its own.
If left untreated, strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever – a condition that can make your joints, brain, and heart swell.
Additionally, when battling a case of strep, ensure that you are staying hydrated and still eating. Try to eat soft foods and drink warm liquids such as:
- Hot tea
- Honey
- Warm broth
- Applesauce
- Soup
- Pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Popsicles
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
Your symptoms will begin to lessen after 24 to 48 hours of treatment. If you are still having severe symptoms, visit your provider again for further treatment.
Preventing Strep Infection
Although this condition is extremely contagious, there are steps you can take to prevent infection. Best practices for preventing strep throat include:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid touching your nose or mouth
- Maintain distance from those who have the condition
Turn To MainStreet Family Care
Dealing with a case of strep throat? MainStreet can help!
To visit one of our clinics, register online! You will be able to wait from anywhere until we are ready for you. Once we’re ready, we’ll send you a text, and you can head to the clinic.
Walk-ins are accepted seven days a week! However, please note that walk-ins are added to the same queue as those who register online. Registering before your visit reduces in-clinic wait times.
