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Strep Throat Specialist

PrimeCare Medical Center Our Services Strep Throat

PrimeCare Medical Center

Internists & Family Practice located in Charlotte, NC

A severe sore throat can indicate of strep throat. A quick strep test at the urgent care offices of PrimeCare Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, can quickly identify the infection so you get antibiotics quick and relief from the knifelike pain and fever. If you suspect you or a loved one has strep throat, call the office or book an immediate appointment online.

Strep Throat Q & A

What causes strep throat?

Strep throat is unique in that it results from a bacteria, A streptococcus. Most sore throats, such as those associated with the flu, are caused by a virus.

How did I get strep throat?

Strep throat is very contagious. You might contract it if you:

  • Breathe in droplets of the bacteria
  • Touch something with droplets of the bacteria on it
  • Touch sores on the skin caused by strep bacteria
  • Drink from the same glass or eat from the same fork/plate as someone with strep

Being around a person with strep who is sneezing and coughing can cause you to get sick, too.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

Strep throat is easily cured but can cause painful symptoms. These include:

  • Fever
  • Pain when swallowing
  • A quick onset of a sore throat
  • Tiny red spots on the roof of your mouth
  • Swollen lymph nodes and tonsils

You could also experience headache and nausea along with strep. Suspect strep if your sore throat comes on without coughing or a runny nose.

Who gets strep throat?

Children tend to get strep throat more often than adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that three in 10 children with a sore throat have strep, while only one in 10 adults do. Parents of small children, and adults who work in child care settings or schools are more susceptible than the average adult. Strep can also spread readily throughout a household.

How do doctors test for strep?

A rapid strep test, or throat culture, is used to diagnose strep throat. During a rapid strep test, your throat is swabbed and a quick test shows whether there is evidence of the strep bacteria.

If you have a positive test, you are prescribed antibiotics right away. If the doctors at PrimeCare Medical Center still suspect strep but your rapid test was negative, they can take a culture swab and allow the culture to grow for a few days to see if strep develops.

If you have a sudden and severe sore throat, don’t just hope it goes away. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

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