A strep throat exam helps determine the presence of group A streptococcus bacteria that causes strep throat. The entire process only takes a few minutes, so results are available within fifteen minutes of getting a sample taken. AFC Urgent Care Burlington conducts strep throat exams frequently every year. Visit us today to get your diagnosis and treatment to start feeling better.
Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep throat symptoms typically show up around three days after exposure. A sore throat is normally one of the first signs to appear, but every person can experience strep throat differently. Signs you have strep can include:
- Painful sore throat
- Red, swollen tonsils that can have white spots on them
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
Sore throats can also experience these symptoms. The only way to know for certain if you have strep is by getting a test. If a strep test comes back negative, these symptoms are likely caused by a virus.
Strep Throat Exam
When a physician is conducting a strep throat exam, it can feel a little uncomfortable. A sample is collected by using a long cotton swab. The physician takes a sample from the back of the throat and over any infected areas. A second swab is sometimes used to collect a sample for a throat culture. Rapid results are available within 15 minutes, and a culture typically takes around three days. If the rapid test comes back positive, prescription treatment can be prescribed.
Treatment Options
If the rapid test comes back positive, the physician can prescribe antibiotics to help fight off the infection. After taking antibiotics for 48 hours, patients typically start to feel better, and symptoms begin to lessen. If symptoms do not start to get better after 48 hours, it is best to visit your primary care physician or us again.
If your rapid test comes back negative, your sore throat is likely caused by a virus. Antibiotics will not help fight off a virus, so there is no specific medication that can help. Certain OTC medications can help relieve symptoms, however. For example, Advil or Tylenol can help reduce any fever you may have. Advil also works as an anti-inflammatory, so it can help fight any tonsil swelling. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the duration of your sore throat. Water can help flush the system of various infections. Additionally, like any illness, it’s important to get plenty of rest. This is how your immune system is able to rebuild and fight off the infection, so rest is imperative while you are sick.
A strep throat exam helps determine the presence of group A streptococcus bacteria that causes strep throat. The entire process only takes a few minutes, so results are available within fifteen minutes of getting a sample taken. AFC Urgent Care Burlington conducts strep throat exams frequently every year. Visit us today to get your diagnosis and treatment to start feeling better.
Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep throat symptoms typically show up around 3 days after exposure. The sore throat is normally one of the first signs to appear, but every person can experience strep throat differently. Signs you have strep can include:
- Painful sore throat
- Red, swollen tonsils that can have white spots on them
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
Sore throats can also experience these symptoms. The only way to know for certain if you have strep is by getting a test. If a strep test comes back negative, it is likely these symptoms are caused by a virus.
Strep Throat Exam
When a physician is conducting a strep throat exam, it can feel a little uncomfortable. A sample is collected by using a long cotton swab. The physician takes a sample from the back of the throat and over any infected areas. A second swab is sometimes used to collect a sample for a throat culture. Rapid results are available within 15 minutes, and a culture typically takes around 3 days. If the rapid test comes back positive, prescription treatment can be prescribed.
Treatment Options
If the rapid test comes back positive, the physician can prescribe antibiotics to help fight off the infection. After taking antibiotics for 48 hours, patients typically start to feel better and symptoms start to lessen. If symptoms do not begin to get better after 48 hours, it is best to visit us or your primary care physician again.
If your rapid test comes back negative, your sore throat is likely caused by a virus. Antibiotics will not help fight off a virus, so there is no specific medication that can help. Certain OTC medications can help relieve symptoms, however. For example, Advil or Tylenol can help reduce any fever you may have. Advil also works as an anti-inflammatory, so it can help fight any tonsil swelling. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the duration of your sore throat. Water can help flush the system of various infections. Additionally, like any illness, it’s important to get plenty of rest. This is how your immune system is able to rebuild and fight off the infection, so rest is imperative while you are sick.
