A sore throat can make it difficult to eat, drink, or even talk. But how do you know if it’s strep throat or just a viral infection like a cold? Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, and unlike most viral sore throats, it requires medical treatment. Recognizing the symptoms early can help you get the care you need and prevent complications. In this blog, we’ll walk through how to tell if your sore throat might be strep, how long it lasts, and what treatments are available.
For same-day strep throat testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill. Our medical team is here to evaluate symptoms, diagnose your condition, and plan the best treatment possible. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
Common Symptoms of Strep Throat
While both viral sore throats and strep can cause pain and irritation, strep throat often presents with a distinct set of symptoms, including:
- Sudden, severe sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Headache and body aches
Unlike viral infections, strep throat does not usually cause cough, runny nose, or hoarseness. If those symptoms are present, a virus is more likely to blame.
How Long Does Strep Last?
The duration of strep throat depends on whether it is treated. Without treatment, strep throat may last 7 to 10 days and could worsen without improving. Untreated strep can also lead to complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. With antibiotic treatment, most people begin to feel better within 24 to 48 hours, and the infection is usually fully cleared in 10 days. Children may need to stay home from school for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Strep Throat Treatment Options
If strep throat is confirmed through a rapid test or throat culture, the standard treatment includes:
- Antibiotics to kill the bacteria and prevent complications. Symptoms usually improve quickly once treatment begins.
- Over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil can help ease discomfort and reduce fever.
- Rest, hydration, and warm saltwater can also soothe irritation when recovering at home.
It’s important to finish the full course of antibiotics even if you start feeling better, to ensure the infection is fully cleared and to prevent resistance.
When To Visit Urgent Care For a Sore Throat
You should seek medical attention for a sore throat if you experience:
- Severe throat pain lasting more than 48 hours
- High fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- White patches or pus on the tonsils
- Swollen neck glands
- No improvement after a few days of home care
Urgent care centers can quickly test, diagnose, and treat strep throat so you don’t have to wait for a primary care appointment.
Get Walk-In Strep Throat Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill
If you suspect you have strep throat, don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. At AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill, our team provides same-day evaluation, rapid strep testing, and on-the-spot prescriptions so you can start treatment right away. Early intervention is key to ensuring a smooth recovery. Our center is conveniently located at 1295 Colorado Blvd. in Denver, CO. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about strep throat treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our team directly at (303) 639-1000.
