COMMON SYMPTOMS OF STREP THROAT

Concerned that your sore throat might be strep throat? Several different things, including the flu, common cold, or allergies can lead to a sore throat. Another possible cause is strep, a bacterial infection that results in pain and inflammation in the throat. Although it can impact people of all ages, the condition is especially common in children and adolescents between the ages of 5-15. The infection is spread through sneezing and coughing, making it highly contagious and easy to catch. For this reason, making an appointment for diagnostic testing in Gainesville, GA, should be the first thing you do if you think you might have strep throat.

The good news is that strep throat is a generally minor condition that can be remedied with antibiotics. Being aware of the symptoms ahead of time will allow you to get treatment promptly if you should ever become ill. Continue reading to learn about some common symptoms, different methods of diagnosis, and tips for preventing strep throat. 

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of strep throat can range from mild to very painful and usually appear in approximately two to five days after an individual is affected. This can include:

• Sudden sore throat.

• Pain or difficulty swallowing food.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Red and inflamed tonsils, in some cases with streaks of white.

• Fever

• Swollen lymph nodes on the neck.

• Small red bumps located on the roof of the mouth.

• Nausea or stomach pain.

• Loss of appetite.

• Vomiting

• Headache

• Rash

Diagnosis

Doctors often use a strep test to determine whether or not an individual has strep throat. For this exam, the physician uses a cotton swab to obtain a sample of the mucus in your throat. Another method of diagnosing the condition is known as a rapid strep test, which involves sending a sample to a lab for testing and waiting a few days for the results.

Prevention

Strep throat is very contagious and can be spread to other people through sneezing, coughing, or touching areas that an infected person has touched. A person with strep will continue to be highly contagious until he or she has been taking antibiotics for one to three days. Although it’s not always possible to avoid coming into contact with people who have the infection, you can help prevent it from spreading:

• Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer if soap and water isn’t available.

• Refrain from sharing drinks, food products, or eating utensils with a person who has strep.

• Don’t use an infected person’s towels or bedsheets.

• Thoroughly clean any laundry or dishes in hot water with soap to eliminate germs.

• If you have strep throat, be sure to cover your mouth with a tissue rather than your hand when you cough or sneeze.

If you’re searching for diagnostic testing center that offers strep tests, connect with the medical staff at Lanier Urgent Care. We have the experience and resources required to provide you with a prompt, precise diagnosis followed by effective treatment options.