Strep throat is a common illness that affects people of all ages. It is most prevalent in children and teens between 5 and 15 years old. Close contact and interaction, such as sharing drinks or utensils, talking, sneezing, and coughing, are the fastest way this bacterial infection can spread from person to person.
If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with strep throat, such as throat swelling and pain, visit Emerald Coast Urgent Care today to receive strep testing, prompt diagnosis and optimal treatment to start feeling better sooner.
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus. This group of bacteria can be found in the nose and throat. For as many as 20% of children under 18, they can be carrying the bacteria while showing no symptoms. In this case, the bacteria can still be spread easily to others.
Group A strep is spread by tiny respiratory droplets in the air from talking, coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms of a strep infection typically appear 2 to 5 days after initial exposure to the bacteria. Although some people don’t experience any symptoms, those with active symptoms can quickly spread the virus.
Symptomatic cases of strep throat are treated with antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Only those with symptoms require testing and treatment.
What are the symptoms?
In most instances, strep throat is a mild to moderate illness that does not require extensive treatment or a stay in the hospital.
The most common symptoms of strep include:
- Sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Swollen tonsils
- White patches or streaks of pus on the back of the mouth or the tonsils
- Redness in the mouth and on the tonsils
- Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Other symptoms, which are more common in children, may include:
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Scarlet fever
Where do I get a strep throat test?
Strep tests can be done at your doctor’s office, local urgent care center or hospital. If you are experiencing symptoms of strep, we encourage you to visit one of our Emerald Coast Urgent Care centers today for testing. Don’t delay treatment!
How do you test for strep throat?
There are two types of throat swabs used to detect strep throat, including a rapid test and a throat culture. Both tests check for the presence of strep A bacteria to confirm active infection.
A rapid test provides results in as little as 15 minutes, while a throat culture can take a few days to process, as it requires waiting on the growth of group A strep bacteria to form for full confirmation of infection.
At Emerald Coast Urgent Care, we offer strep tests on a walk-in or appointment basis 7 days a week at all of our locations. If you have questions about testing, contact us today; otherwise, just walk in. We are here to help you feel better sooner.
