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Winter marks the time of the year with the worst weather and highest prevalence of viruses and infections. Most common during the winter are sicknesses such as influenza, the common cold, norovirus and strep throat. Unlike the other three aforementioned illnesses, all of which are viral infections, strep throat is a bacterial infection. Strep throat is caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, which spreads between person-to-person via saliva.
While children are the most susceptible to contracting strep throat, adults can develop strep throat as well. The infection is highly contagious, as an infected person simply sneezing or coughing near a doorknob can infect a number of people.
Strep throat’s symptoms include:
- Fever above 101°F
- Cold/Flu symptoms
- White/yellow spots or streaks visible on the throat
- Lingering sore throat – aggravated by swallowing/coughing
- Swollen tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes
Our board-certified physicians diagnose strep throat by administering a strep test. Our physicians conduct the flu test by swabbing the patient’s throat and then running that sample to our on-site lab for testing. If the Streptococcus bacteria is identified in the sample, then our physicians will provide treatment the patient. While the immune system can combat strep throat on its own, our physicians will prescribe antibiotics to expedite the patients’ healing process.
For strep treatment and diagnosis, walk into our facility anytime during business hours – with no appointment or referral necessary. To speak with one of our medical professionals, call us at 617.923.2273. We look forward to getting you through the rest of winter strep-free!
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