During the back-to-school season, illnesses can spread like wildfire. Sore throats are a very common symptom that can be caused by a variety of different illnesses. There’s nothing worse than having a sick kid at home. The fastest way to ensure your child can get back to the classroom when they’re sick is to accurately diagnose the cause of their symptoms so that you can treat it effectively. This article will review some of the most common causes of a sore throat so that you can treat your child effectively.
If your child is feeling sick and struggling with a sore throat, walk into AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook. Our walk-in clinic in Bound Brook, NJ, is open to walk-in patients daily. Our medical providers are fully board-certified and trained to diagnose and treat many common conditions, including symptoms like sore throats. Walk into the clinic today, or save your spot online using the button below.
Common Causes of a Sore Throat
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can lead to a severe sore throat. Strep is commonly spread through sharing food and drinks with others. Symptoms can last for weeks without proper treatment, and strep throat requires antibiotics to treat.
Colds
Colds are one of the most common causes of a mild sore throat. They are extremely contagious through touching the same surface as someone who is sick, airborne particles released by a cough or sneeze, or directly touching a sick person. In most cases, sore throats caused by a cold are very mild and short-lived, typically only lasting for a couple of days. Colds will resolve on their own after about a week.
The Flu
The flu is another extremely contagious viral infection that can lead to a sore throat. Flu symptoms can be intense, and are often accompanied by additional symptoms like a fever, congestion, body aches, and chills. The flu will resolve on its own with time. Getting your annual flu shot greatly reduces the risk of developing severe symptoms from the flu.
When to Seek Medical Care for a Sore Throat
If you’re experiencing a sore throat, you may be wondering if you should be seeing a doctor for treatment. In most cases, a sore throat is a mild symptom. However, if your sore throat is severe or won’t go away after a week, you should seek medical care. A severe and persistent sore throat could be a symptom of strep throat, which requires medical treatment to resolve. Your medical provider will be able to swab your throat to test for bacteria that cause strep throat. Treatment for strep throat includes a round of antibiotics to clear up the infection.
Visit AFC Bound Brook for Same-Day Sore Throat Diagnosis & Treatment this Fall
If you’re experiencing a sore throat this fall, you’re not alone. Sore throats are a very common illness symptom. Understanding when to seek medical care for a severe or persistent sore throat is essential. At AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook, our walk-in clinic makes it easy to receive prompt diagnosis and treatment for a sore throat. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient. We’re open 7 days a week and accept walk-in patients daily.
Our clinic works with most medical insurance providers, and we have affordable rates for patients paying out-of-pocket for their care. To learn more about the services we provide, visit our website or give our team a call at (732) 469-3627.
