Strep throat is a bacterial infection that's highly contagious and unfortunately, very common. Recognizing the symptoms early on is essential for timely treatment and preventing the spread of strep to others. Today, we'll explore the symptoms of strep throat and discuss whether it is effective to treat strep throat at home. Visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial for same-day illness diagnosis and treatment in Centennial, CO.
Strep Throat Symptoms & Diagnosis
Strep throat symptoms can vary, but common indicators include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils. Individuals with strep throat often experience a sudden onset of symptoms accompanied by fever, headache, and a red rash known as scarlet fever. Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat doesn't typically present with a runny nose or cough. It's important to note that strep throat can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15.
The only way to accurately diagnose strep throat is with the help of a medical professional. Your medical provider will perform a thorough examination of your throat, neck, and sinuses and ask about your symptoms. Then they will perform a rapid strep test. A strep test is a quick, painless swab of your throat that will detect the presence of streptococcus bacteria.
Strep Throat Treatment Options
Once diagnosed with strep throat, prompt treatment is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Antibiotics, like penicillin or amoxicillin, are prescribed to eliminate the bacterial infection. You should always complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. In addition to antibiotics, over-the-counter pain relievers and throat lozenges can help manage discomfort and reduce fever. Speak to your healthcare provider about how to manage your symptoms as you wait for the antibiotics to take their course.
Home Remedies For Strep Throat
Aside from medical intervention, there are several self-care measures that can help ease strep throat symptoms. This being said, strep throat requires antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent it from worsening. At-home remedies can help manage symptoms as antibiotics often take a few days to start alleviating symptoms.
At-home care for strep throat may include:
- Getting rest
- Staying hydrated
- Drinking warm liquids like soups and tea
- Gargling warm salt water
- Using over-the-counter medications
Visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial For Same-Day Strep Throat Diagnosis & Treatment
Strep throat can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and it is important to seek medical care if you suspect you have strep throat. Bacterial infections require antibiotics to clear the infection and postponing treatment can cause the illness to continue to worsen. Luckily, AFC Urgent Care Centennial offers patients in Centennial, CO same-day illness care on a walk-in basis. Simply walk into our clinic, or schedule an appointment online.
When you’re suffering from illness symptoms and need symptom relief fast, AFC Urgent Care Centennial is here to help. Our clinic is open 7 days a week with extended business hours and features a laboratory on-site for rapid diagnostic testing. We never require you to have an appointment to receive care and have short wait times. Our clinic accepts most medical insurance plans and offers affordable care options. To learn more about our clinic, contact us directly by calling 303-220-9168.
