The winter season brings its share of ailments, and navigating the landscape of symptoms can be confusing, especially when it comes to distinguishing between COVID-19 and strep throat.
AFC Urgent Care in Marlborough understands the uncertainties and is here to guide you through the differences, providing insights for a smooth recovery. Remember, not every ailment is linked to COVID-19, so there's no need to panic.
COVID-19 Causes a Sore Throat, Not Strep Throat
COVID-19 symptoms vary widely, ranging from mild to severe, and may appear 2-14 days after exposure. These symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, nausea, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Keep in mind that symptoms may change with new variants like JN.1 and HV.1.
While most vaccinated individuals experience mild symptoms, the unvaccinated, elderly, or those with pre-existing conditions may face severe illness.
Strep throat, on the other hand, is caused by a bacterial infection – group A Streptococcus bacteria. It spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact and exhibits symptoms like a sudden sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils with white patches or pus streaks, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Notably, strep throat lacks cough and runny nose symptoms, and transmission through mishandled food is rare.
Your Best Bet is to Get Tested for Everything!
To determine the cause of your sore throat, comprehensive testing is recommended. AFC Urgent Care Marlborough offers a rapid strep test for bacterial growth and rapid Antigen tests and PCR tests for COVID-19. Testing for everything during this time is advisable, and the center is committed to identifying the root cause, whether it's positive or negative.
Strep Throat Testing at AFC Urgent Care in Marlborough
AFC Urgent Care Marlborough operates 7 days a week, with no appointment needed. If strep throat is suspected, a rapid strep test can be performed at the center. If the test comes back positive, antibiotics can be prescribed on the same day. The center caters to patients of all ages, offering flu vaccinations, diagnostic rapid tests for COVID-19, physicals, on-site X-rays, and various urgent care services. Remember, completing your prescription is crucial to prevent strep bacteria recurrence. Feel free to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
AFC Urgent Care Marlborough is open seven days a week, catering to both scheduled appointments and walk-ins. We accept most insurance plans to ensure accessible healthcare services. Simplify your billing process with our user-friendly online payment system, allowing you to settle your bill conveniently with just a few clicks. Trust us to deliver reliable, prompt, and convenient healthcare services tailored to your nee
