Benefit From Rapid Strep Testing in Deltona, FL
A sore or scratchy throat is often a sign of a viral infection, such as the common cold, especially when accompanied by a cough, low-grade fever, and nasal congestion. Usually, the pain improves after a few days of rest. Until the infection clears, an over-the-counter pain reliever or sore throat remedy can be used as needed.
A less common but more serious cause of a sore throat is strep, a highly contagious bacterial infection that is easily spread through sneezing, coughing, and sharing food. Both children and adults are susceptible to strep throat.
Unlike a viral infection, which will typically go away on its own, a bacterial infection like strep may require prescription antibiotic treatment. If left untreated, a strep infection can progress and lead to potentially serious complications, such as kidney inflammation. Therefore, it is important to determine the cause of a severe sore throat, especially if it lasts longer than a few days.
How to Find Out if You Have Strep Throat
The hallmark sign of strep throat is painful swallowing. Other symptoms include red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white splotches, and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth. To find out if you have a strep infection, visit Halifax Health ExpressCare in Deltona, Florida, where you can receive prompt medical attention and rapid strep testing if needed.
The experienced team at Halifax Health ExpressCare can quickly determine if you have strep throat by evaluating your symptoms and performing a rapid strep test. Your provider will gently rub a cotton swab over your tonsils and the back of your mouth to collect a small sample of throat secretions for testing in our on-site lab. The results, which should be available in minutes, can help us determine if you need strep throat treatment. If so, we may prescribe an oral antibiotic, which you should take exactly as directed. This includes finishing the entire supply. Because antibiotics are highly effective, you may feel better right away, but your sore throat can return if your strep infection is not fully resolved.
Walk In. Walk Out. Feel Better.
If you have a severe sore throat, visit Halifax Health ExpressCare in Deltona, FL, today. Whatever is ailing you, we can get to the bottom of it and help you feel better fast.
