Strep Throat Testing and Treatment | AFC Urgent Care North Austin, TX

A sore throat doesn’t always mean you have strep throat. In fact, most sore throats are caused by viral infections rather than bacteria. Group A Streptococcus (strep bacteria) accounts for only 20-30% of sore throats in children and 5-15% in adults.

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat, or viral pharyngitis, is an ailment that targets the throat and tonsils and is caused by bacterial infection. Strep can make your throat dry, scratchy, and can even become painful when swallowing. If left untreated, strep throat can result in even more serious conditions such as kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever. Since sore throats are not always caused by strep throat, the best strategy for getting you feeling better soon may include a visit to AFC Urgent Care North Austin for rapid strep testing and antibiotic treatment.

Common Symptoms of Strep Throat

Strep throat has a few key symptoms that make it different from other throat infections. Spotting these early can help you get an accurate diagnosis and fast relief. Common symptoms include:

• Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
• Painful swallowing
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus or tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
• Fever
• Headache
• Rash
• Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children
• Body aches

• Stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rash, particularly in cases of scarlet fever

It’s important to note that symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and hoarseness are uncommon in strep throat and are more likely caused by viral infections.

How Is Strep Transmitted?

Group A Streptococcus bacteria are highly contagious and can be transmitted easily through:

• Respiratory Droplets: When an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, they can transmit the strep bacteria to others through these tiny droplets.
• Direct Contact: The spreading of the bacteria by handling a doorknob or other contaminated surface and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes
• Food Contamination: Although rare, strep bacteria can be transmitted through improperly handled or prepared food.

Strep Diagnosis

At AFC Urgent Care in North Austin, our healthcare providers begin with a thorough evaluation, reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and performing a physical exam. This helps determine whether strep throat could be the cause of your discomfort.

• Rapid Strep Test

We offer rapid strep testing right in our clinic for fast, same-day results. During the test, a swab is gently rubbed against the back of the throat and tonsils to collect a sample for testing. The collected sample is then analyzed using a rapid strep test kit to detect the presence of group A Streptococcus bacteria. Results are typically available within minutes, allowing your provider to discuss treatment options in a timely manner.




• Throat Culture

In some cases, we may also recommend a throat culture. Using a similar swab, the sample is sent to a lab for more detailed testing. While it takes longer to get results, a throat culture can confirm strep infections that a rapid test might miss, ensuring you receive the most accurate diagnosis and care.

Treatment Options

Prompt treatment of strep throat is essential to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others. At AFC Urgent Care in North Austin, we provide fast, effective care for strep throat so you can start feeling better quickly.

Antibiotics

Our providers typically prescribe antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, to target the Group A Streptococcus bacteria that cause strep throat. It’s important to complete the full course of medication, even if your symptoms improve, to fully eliminate the infection and lower the risk of recurrence.

For patients with penicillin allergies, alternative antibiotics are carefully selected based on your medical history and allergy profile to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Symptom Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce fever and ease throat pain. Simple home remedies, such as gargling with warm salt water or using throat lozenges, may also provide temporary comfort.

Supportive Care

Getting plenty of rest and staying well-hydrated are key to helping your body recover from strep throat. Soothing liquids, such as warm tea with honey, broth-based soups, and cool beverages, can ease throat irritation while keeping you hydrated.

At AFC in North Austin, we combine fast diagnostics with personalized treatment plans to help you recover safely and quickly from strep throat.

Prevention

Preventing the spread of strep throat is important for your health and the well-being of your community.

Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop Group A Streptococcus bacteria from spreading.

Respiratory Etiquette

Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent bacteria from traveling through respiratory droplets.

Limit Close Contact

Try to minimize close interactions with anyone diagnosed with strep or other contagious throat infections. If someone in your home has strep throat, take extra precautions, such as not sharing utensils, towels, or drinks, to protect yourself and others.

Seek Treatment at AFC Urgent Care, North Austin

If you or a loved one is showing signs of strep throat, don’t wait to get tested and treated. At AFC Urgent Care in North Austin, our experienced providers offer fast, accurate strep throat testing and treatment, along with personalized advice to help prevent the spread of infection. Walk in or check in online today to get prompt care and peace of mind. The mission of AFC in North Austin is to provide exceptional, cost-effective healthcare in a compassionate and respectful setting, ensuring every patient receives care that’s both accessible and convenient.