Is Strep Throat Viral or Bacterial?

September 26, 2024

Are you suffering from a sore throat? A severe sore throat is a common symptom of strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat that can cause a painful sore and swollen throat. If you’re wondering whether your sore throat could be caused by strep throat, keep reading to learn more about strep throat symptoms and treatment options for strep throat.

For same-day sore throat diagnosis and strep throat treatment near Bound Brook, NJ, just walk into AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook. Our board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week to provide you with rapid illness symptom care - all without the need to schedule an appointment in advance. Walk into the clinic today, or contact us directly by calling (732) 469-3627.

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Is Strep Throat Contagious

Strep throat is a very common bacterial infection. Although it does not typically spread through the air like a viral infection might, it is still extremely contagious from person to person. The most common way to get strep throat is to touch the same surface as someone who is sick, such as a faucet or doorknob, or to share food or drinks with someone who is sick. This makes strep throat an illness that tends to spread quickly in places like schools due to the close contact with others and the generally relaxed atmosphere regarding sharing materials including food and drinks as well as lack of sanitation throughout the day.

Strep Throat Symptoms

Strep throat is a very common illness. Strep throat symptoms can start as mild cold-like symptoms that progressively worsen over time. This can increase the chances of strep throat spreading because many times early strep symptoms are ignored. Because strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection, it is important to seek medical care as soon as you suspect you could have strep throat. Common symptoms of strep throat to look out for include:

  • Fever
  • Severe sore throat
  • Headaches
  • Body aches
  • Chills
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Inflamed tonsils
  • White spots in the throat

Strep Throat Diagnosis & Treatment near Bound Brook, NJ

If you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms of strep throat, it is important to seek medical care. Bacterial infections often are more severe than viral infections and require treatment using prescribed antibiotics. Delaying care could result in a longer recovery time. When you visit urgent care for strep throat diagnosis, your medical provider will evaluate your throat and discuss any additional symptoms that you’re experiencing. Based on your symptoms, your medical provider may swab your throat to test for the bacteria that causes strep throat. Strep throat symptoms resolve quicker and are more manageable thanks to antibiotics. Additionally, you are not contagious after 24 hours on antibiotics, meaning that you can return to your regular activities quicker than if you didn’t take any antibiotics.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook for Same-Day Illness Treatment in Bound Brook, NJ

If you’re experiencing a severe sore throat, you may have strep throat. Antibiotics can make recovering from strep throat much more comfortable by reducing your symptoms, getting rid of your ability to spread your infection to others, and fighting off the infection faster than if you didn’t take antibiotics. At AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook, we make it easy to get rapid illness care when it’s convenient for you. Our clinic is open 7 days a week and offers same-day illness care with short wait times. Simply walk into the clinic. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer competitive rates for our care. 

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