Strep throat occurs when your throat and tonsils become inflamed or swollen due to an infection with streptococcal bacteria. There are various types of streptococcal bacteria which range in severity. Many people confuse strep throat with a sore throat; however, strep throat is a bacterial infection while a sore throat is simply a symptom caused by a virus or bacteria.
Strep throat is contagious – the streptococcal bacteria can easily spread to people around you. When someone is infected, they can spread the bacteria through coughing, sneezing, or sharing beverages and food. They can live on everyday surfaces like doorknobs, work spaces and more.
Symptoms of strep throat may be similar to symptoms of a sore throat from viral causes. With strep, however, it’s unlikely you will experience a runny nose or cough. If you have strep throat, some of the symptoms you may experience include:
Your doctor will determine if you have strep throat by performing a strep test by swabbing your throat. If the strep test is positive, you will be prescribed antibiotics. The antibiotics should help you start feeling better within a couple of days; however, it is important that you finish the entire prescription of antibiotics.
Whenever you have questions about your medical condition, we recommend that you visit a doctor. For strep throat, it’s especially important to visit a provider as soon as possible as the strep bacteria can result in infection elsewhere in the body. Physicians Urgent Care can diagnose and treat your strep throat infection so you can get back to your daily activities faster. Walk-ins are welcome or you can reserve a spot online.