What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is an infection caused by a bacteria that will make the throat sore and scratchy. Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications like rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. While strep throat can affect people of any age, it is more common amongst children.
What are Some Symptoms of Strep Throat?
Some symptoms of strep throat include:
- Painful Swallowing
- Throat pain
- Swollen and red tonsils, an occasional streak of pus or white patches
- Red Spots
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Rash
- Tender and swollen lymph nodes
It is possible to have some or all of these symptoms but it may not be strep throat. It could potentially be a viral infection instead.
How is Strep Throat Spread and Transmitted?
Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, a highly contagious bacterium. The bacteria are spread when someone coughs or sneezes near you, or shares their drink or food. You may also come in contact with the bacteria when touching a surface that an infected person touched and then transferring them to your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Common Treatment for Strep Throat
Urgent care strep throat treatment is available at Vermont Urgent Care to cure the infection while relieving symptoms and preventing the spread of the infection.
Antibiotics
Your doctor will prescribe you an oral antibiotic if you are diagnosed with strep throat. The duration and severity of the infection will be reduced if taken within 48 hours of contracting the illness. You should start feeling better within one to two days.
Symptoms Relievers
Pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are available to reduce pain and fever.
Home Remedies for Strep Throat Pain
Your doctor will advise you to get plenty of rest and to drink plenty of water. It is important to keep your sore throat moist to prevent dehydration and ease swallowing. Be sure to eat soothing foods that are easy to swallow and to gargle warm salt water to help relieve the pain. If available, use a humidifier; the added moisture in the air will ease your discomfort.
If you believe that you may have strep throat, it is important that you seek urgent care strep throat treatment immediately to reduce the severity of the symptoms and spread of the infection. Contact us by calling (213) 386-2511 or schedule an appointment online.
