An infection caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, strep throat can happen to anyone at any age but is most prevalent among children. The pain and inflammation it causes is much more intense than sore throats from seasonal allergies and colds, and it may require a visit to your local urgent care center. Learn how to tell if you have strep and when to see a doctor.

An Introduction to Strep Throat 

Symptoms: How To Tell if Your Sore Throat Is Strep

Anyone who’s had strep will tell you it’s unlike any other sore throat they’ve ever experienced. Sick individuals endure serious pain every time they swallow, which makes eating difficult. The throat and tonsils also look red and inflamed when the strep bacteria is present, and this area may include telltale white patches. Swollen lymph nodes on the neck are also common as the body fights the bacteria, as is a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Other symptoms include headache, nausea, and vomiting, with the latter two symptoms most common in children. Flulike body aches may also accompany this illness.

When to See a Doctor

Visit your local urgent care center if the intense pain from strep does not diminish over a two-day period. White spots as well as dark red patches on the throat and tonsils are also cause for concern and require examination by a physician. Also go to urgent care if your fever continues or worsens, swallowing and breathing become laborious, or if the sore throat is coupled with a rash. Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic regimen to kill the infection.

Eliminating the infection quickly prevents the bacteria from spreading to other parts of the body, including the sinuses, blood, and middle ear. Without sufficient treatment, strep throat can additionally morph into other illnesses, such as scarlet fever, which includes a rash on the chest, back, and groin as well as a serious sore throat and white tongue.

If you believe you have strep throat and your symptoms don’t improve, visit Orange Beach Walk-In Medical Care. This urgent care center in Baldwin County, AL, specializes in family medicine and offers after-hours medical care to keep area residents feeling their best. Call (251) 964-7425 today to schedule an appointment or learn more about health services online. Walk-ins are always welcome during business hours.