Strep throat can cause a sore throat, fever, swollen tonsils, and pain when swallowing. However, many sore throats are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. Knowing the signs of strep can help you decide when it is worth getting tested, especially if you or your child has a sore throat that comes on suddenly or is getting worse. AFC Urgent Care Southcenter provides same day care for strep throat and other common illnesses for patients in Kent, Tukwila, SeaTac, Renton, and Southcenter. Our clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays.
How can you tell if a sore throat may be strep throat?
A sore throat that starts suddenly and causes significant pain when swallowing may be a sign of strep throat, especially when other symptoms appear at the same time. [Industry term: strep throat symptoms] can include fever, swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes, and red spots in the back of the mouth. A cough, runny nose, hoarseness, or pink eye may point more toward a viral illness instead.
Watch for symptoms such as:
- Fever: A fever can occur with strep throat and may appear alongside throat pain.
- Swollen tonsils: Red or swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches, can occur with strep.
- Painful swallowing: Significant discomfort when swallowing can be a reason to seek an evaluation.
Because symptoms can overlap, a healthcare provider may recommend [Industry term: rapid strep testing] to help determine the cause. AFC Southcenter provides strep testing through its on site laboratory.
When should adults and children get tested for strep throat?
Testing may be appropriate when you or your child has a sore throat with symptoms that could indicate a bacterial infection. [Industry term: sore throat evaluation] is particularly important when symptoms are significant, getting worse, or affecting your ability to eat, drink, attend school, or go about your normal routine.
School aged children have a higher risk of strep throat than adults, so parents should pay attention to sudden throat pain, fever, headache, stomach pain, nausea, or a rash. Adults can also develop strep, particularly after close contact with someone who has the infection.
At AFC Urgent Care Southcenter, our providers can evaluate symptoms and perform testing when appropriate. If testing confirms strep, your provider can discuss the appropriate treatment.
What happens during a strep throat test?
A strep throat test usually involves a healthcare provider collecting a sample from the back of your throat with a swab. [Industry term: rapid diagnostic testing] can help determine whether group A strep bacteria may be causing your symptoms. Depending on the patient and test results, additional testing may be recommended.
If a test confirms strep, antibiotics may be prescribed. Antibiotics do not treat viral sore throats, so testing can help guide appropriate treatment instead of taking medication that may not be needed.
When is a sore throat serious enough for urgent care?
A sore throat deserves prompt medical attention when symptoms are severe, worsening, or making it difficult to swallow or stay hydrated. [Industry term: urgent care for sore throat] can be appropriate for non life threatening symptoms that need timely evaluation but do not require emergency care.
Consider getting evaluated if you or your child has:
- Severe throat pain: Significant pain that makes swallowing difficult should be assessed.
- Worsening symptoms: Symptoms that continue to get worse instead of improving may need medical attention.
- A concerning combination of symptoms: Fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, or other symptoms alongside a sore throat can warrant testing.
Difficulty breathing, severe difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, dehydration, or other serious symptoms require prompt medical attention and may require emergency care.
Get sore throat and strep throat testing in Kent, WA
AFC Urgent Care Southcenter provides evaluation and testing for common illnesses, including sore and strep throat, for patients in Kent and nearby Tukwila, SeaTac, Renton, and Southcenter. Our walk in clinic has an on site laboratory and accepts most major insurance plans.
You can walk in for care or schedule an appointment online. Call our clinic today at (425) 291-3300 to learn more about sore throat testing and treatment or visit us at 18012 68th Ave S #101 in Kent, WA.