Strep Throat Treatment
What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. Unlike viral sore throats that resolve on their own, strep throat requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications and reduce contagiousness.
This infection causes severe throat pain and inflammation, making swallowing painful. While anyone can get strep throat, it’s most common in children aged 5-15 and spreads easily in schools and daycare centers. Adults who live with school-age children are also at higher risk.
Without proper treatment, strep throat can lead to serious complications including rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, and abscess formation. That’s why prompt diagnosis and treatment at Urgent Care USA is essential.
Symptoms to Watch For Primary Symptoms:
- Severe throat pain that starts suddenly
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher
- Red, swollen tonsils with white patches or streaks
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth (petechiae)
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting (especially in children)
- Nausea or vomiting (especially in children)
What Strep Throat DOESN'T Usually Cause
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Hoarseness
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye) If you have these symptoms, you likely have a viral infection instead
When to Visit Urgent Care USA
Visit us immediately if you experience:
- Severe throat pain lasting more than 48 hours
- Difficulty swallowing liquids
- Fever above 101°F
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash accompanying sore throat
- Blood in saliva or phlegm
- Symptoms that worsen despite home care
When to Go to the ER Instead:
- Difficulty breathing
- Inability to swallow saliva (drooling)
- Severe dehydration
- Stiff neck with fever
- Confusion or altered mental state
How We Diagnose Strep Throat
Physical Examination
- Throat inspection for redness, swelling, and white patches
- Lymph node palpation
- Temperature check
- Ear examination (infections often occur together)
Rapid Strep Test
- Results in 5-10 minutes
- 95% accurate for positive results
- Quick swab of the throat
Throat Culture (if needed)
- Sent to lab if rapid test is negative but strep is suspected
- Results in 24-48 hours
- More sensitive than rapid test
Treatment Approach
Comprehensive STD Panel
Our full panel includes testing for:
- HIV (antibody and antigen testing)
- Syphilis (RPR)
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Herpes Simplex 1 & 2 (HSV)
- Trichomoniasis
Home Care Instructions
- Rest for at least 24-48 hours
- Drink plenty of warm liquids
- Gargle with warm salt water
- Use throat lozenges or hard candy
- Run a humidifier in your room
- Avoid irritants like smoke
- Take antibiotics as prescribed
- Stay home until fever-free for 24 hours
Recovery Timeline
24 hours
Fever typically breaks, no longer contagious
48 hours
Significant improvement in throat pain
3-5 days
Most symptoms resolved
10 days
Complete antibiotic course finished
2 weeks
Full recovery, including energy levels
Return to Normal Activities
Work/School
After 24 hours on antibiotics AND no fever
Exercise
When energy returns, usually 3-5 days
Close contact
Safe after 24 hours of antibiotics
Prevention
Hand Hygiene
Avoid Sharing
Cover Coughs
Stay Home
FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is strep throat contagious?
Yes, strep throat is highly contagious. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You’re most contagious when you have a fever but remain contagious until you’ve been on antibiotics for 24 hours.
How long does strep throat last without treatment?
Untreated strep throat can last 3-7 days, but this isn’t recommended. Without antibiotics, you remain contagious for 2-3 weeks and risk serious complications like rheumatic fever or kidney problems.
Can strep throat come back?
Yes, you can get strep throat multiple times. Some people are prone to recurrent infections. If you get strep throat frequently (3+ times per year), talk to your doctor about additional treatment options.
What complications should I watch for?
Seek immediate care if you develop: difficulty breathing or swallowing, joint pain and swelling, dark urine, persistent high fever, or a rash. These could indicate serious complications.
Can adults get strep throat?
Absolutely. While more common in children, adults can definitely get strep throat, especially parents of school-age children, teachers, and healthcare workers.
Pediatric Considerations
Special Notes for Children with Strep Throat:
- More likely to have nausea and vomiting
- May develop scarlet fever (rash)
- Need weight-based antibiotic dosing
- Require flavor options for medications
- May need throat culture if rapid test negative
- School note provided for return
News & Updates
Don't Let Strep Throat Slow You Down
Visit Urgent Care USA for rapid testing and same-day treatment. Most patients are in and out within 45 minutes.
