A sore, scratchy and irritated throat can be very irritating to manage. Sore throats can range in severity from very mild to severe, and in some cases they can impact your ability to eat and drink comfortably. Many times, sore throats will resolve on their own. They are commonly caused by viral infections, but a severe or persistent sore throat can indicate a bacterial infection in the throat called strep throat.
If you have a severe sore throat, or a sore throat that doesn’t seem to be getting better after a few days, it’s important to receive testing for strep throat. At AFC Urgent Care Southcenter, our walk-in clinic offers rapid strep throat evaluation and treatment - all on a walk-in basis with short wait times! Walk into the clinic today, or schedule your visit online in advance. We’re open Mondays through Saturdays in Kent, WA.
Common Causes of a Sore Throat
If your throat is feeling inflamed, irritated or painful, there could be several underlying conditions leading to your symptoms. The most common cause of a mild sore throat is a cold. Colds are highly contagious, and can cause a mild sore throat that will go away on its own with time. However, a persistent or severe sore throat often indicates the presence of strep throat. Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection in the throat, and it causes a much more long lasting and severe sore throat compared to mild illnesses like colds.
Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep throat is extremely contagious, which can cause it to spread quickly in an office or school. Strep throat symptoms typically begin with a mild sore throat, however, within a day or two it leads to a severe sore throat, along with other symptoms such as a fever, chills, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils. Strep throat requires medical care, and without proper treatment, symptoms can be severe and last over a week.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Sore throats can be uncomfortable. While a sore throat caused by a minor illness like a cold will often go away on its own within a couple of days, severe or persistent sore throats often indicate a case of strep throat. If you’re experiencing a severe sore throat that is making it painful to swallow, or your symptoms have lasted for more than a couple of days, it’s time to seek medical care. Your medical provider can perform an evaluation of your throat, and conduct diagnostic testing to see if you have strep throat. Based on the results, strep throat is easily treated with a round of antibiotics.
Get Convenient Same-Day Sore Throat Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Southcenter
Sore throats can be caused by many different conditions. If you’re experiencing a persistent sore throat that won’t go away, or have any strep throat symptoms, it’s time to seek medical care. Your medical provider will be able to evaluate your symptoms and perform any necessary diagnostic testing to ensure you recovery quickly.
At AFC Urgent Care Southcenter, we have a laboratory on-site for rapid strep throat testing. We offer illness care on a walk-in basis with no appointment necessary. Simply walk in when it’s convenient for your schedule. We accept most medical insurance plans, and have affordable self-pay rates. Walk in today!
