Strep throat isn’t just a regular sore throat — it’s a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus that needs medical attention.
Strep throat peaks in early spring, so if your throat hurts now, you might wonder if you’re dealing with strep.
But how do you know when you can manage a mild sore throat at home and when you might be dealing with strep throat? Thankfully, strep throat is easily diagnosed with a rapid strep test — and that’s a condition that Dr. Rogers Walker, Shelley Gilbert, PA-C, and the team here at Walker Family Care are experts at diagnosing.
If you notice these six signs, don’t wait for them. It’s time to see our team here in Little River, South Carolina.
A mild sore throat from a common cold usually improves in a few days. However, if your throat pain is intense, strep could be the culprit. Many people with strep throat find it hard to swallow or even speak.
Strep throat is more common in children than adults, so you might hear your child describe it as the “worst sore throat.”
Strep throat often comes with a high fever. If your temperature reaches 101°F or higher, your body is likely fighting off an infection that requires antibiotics.
Look in the mirror and check your throat. White patches on your tonsils or red spots (petechiae) on the roof of your mouth are common signs of strep.
If you’re caring for a sick child, ask them to open their mouth and say “ahh.” You should be able to spot these signs easily if they have strep throat.
Feel the sides of your neck. If your lymph nodes are swollen and tender, your immune system is actively fighting an infection.
Note: Many different infections can cause this, so it isn’t an automatic sign that you have strep. In either case, your body needs support to fight off the infection — whether it’s bacterial or viral.
Many people can power through a mild cold, but that isn’t the case with strep throat. Strep doesn’t just affect your throat. Many people also feel run-down, with headaches, muscle aches, and general fatigue.
If your sore throat comes without coughing, sneezing, or congestion, it’s more likely to be strep than a common cold.
Strep throat won’t go away on its own. If you have these symptoms, schedule a sick visit and get the care you need.
Left untreated, it can lead to complications like rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, and Scarlet fever.
If your test results are positive, Dr. Walker can prescribe antibiotics. Because strep throat is a bacterial infection, you need antibiotics to clear the infection. Dr. Walker can prescribe penicillin, amoxicillin, or another type of antibiotics if you’re allergic to those.
Regardless of which type of antibiotics you have, be sure to take the full course of medication, even if you start to feel better.
In addition to taking your medication, you can:
All these self-care strategies can complement your medication and help you feel better.
If you’re feeling under the weather, call 843-280-8333 to schedule your sick visit.
