Strep throat can cause bright-red, swollen tonsils, white patches or streaks, and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth. It can also cause a sudden sore throat, fever, and swollen glands in the neck. Not everyone will have the same symptoms, though, and you can't confirm strep just by looking at your throat.
If you're in Centennial, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Englewood, or a nearby South Denver community, AFC Urgent Care Centennial provides same-day strep throat treatment when you feel you need to be checked out.
Save a SpotWhat Does Strep Throat Look Like?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. It is most common in school-aged children and teenagers, but adults can get it too.
Common signs include:
- Red, swollen tonsils
- White patches or streaks on the tonsils
- Small red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen or tender glands in the neck
- An irritated or inflamed-looking throat
White patches aren't always present, so a throat that looks red or swollen doesn't necessarily mean you have strep. Testing is needed to confirm the infection.
What Does Strep Throat Feel Like?
Strep often starts suddenly and can make swallowing very painful. Fever, headache, fatigue, and swollen glands can also occur.
One clue that may help distinguish strep from a cold is what symptoms you don't have. Coughing, a runny nose, hoarseness, and pink eye are more common with viral infections than strep.
Because symptoms can overlap, testing may be recommended when strep is suspected
When Should You Get Tested for Strep?
A sudden, painful sore throat is a good reason to consider a strep test, especially if you also have a fever, swollen tonsils, white patches, or tender glands in your neck.
If strep is suspected, a healthcare provider can examine your throat and perform a rapid strep test. If the test is positive, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection and help prevent complications.
Don't take leftover antibiotics or medication prescribed for someone else. If you think you have strep, getting tested is the best way to know whether antibiotics are appropriate.
Is Strep Throat Contagious?
Yes. Strep spreads through close contact with someone who has the infection, which is why it can easily pass between family members, classmates, and other people who spend time together.
If someone in your household has recently been diagnosed with strep, watch for a sudden sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, or other symptoms. If you develop symptoms, getting tested can help determine whether you also have the infection.
Get Strep Throat Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Centennial
If you have a sudden, painful sore throat and aren't sure whether it's strep, AFC Urgent Care Centennial can evaluate your symptoms and provide strep testing when appropriate. We provide same-day urgent care for common illnesses and infections, including sore throats and strep throat.
If your sore throat came on quickly, is unusually painful, or is accompanied by fever or swollen tonsils, don't assume it's just a cold. Getting tested can help you find out whether strep is causing your symptoms and whether you need treatment. Walk-in today or make an appointment online.
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