Strep Throat

Strep throat comes on suddenly and requires prompt treatment. At Wesleyan Urgent Care in Owensboro, Kentucky, Sara Doolin-Thompson, DNP, and the team provide rapid tests to diagnose strep throat and effective treatment to help you feel better again quickly. Call the office to get the care you need, or use this website to book an appointment. 

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is different from a sore throat caused by a cold or flu. It’s caused by a certain type of bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep).

Strep throat is highly contagious and can lead to complications like rheumatic fever, abscesses, sinus infections, and swollen lymph nodes. Strep is very treatable.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

Strep throat causes pain that usually comes on quickly. Usually, you won’t have sinus symptoms or a cough with strep throat.

Other symptoms include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Stomachache
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting

You may also see reddened, swollen tonsils and white patches in the back of your throat. Little red spots also appear on the roof of the mouth. If you notice these symptoms, make an appointment at Wesleyan Urgent Care right away.

How can I prevent strep throat?

Strep throat is highly contagious. If you have strep throat, you carry the bacteria with you and spread it when you sneeze or cough. 

Anyone can get strep throat. But children are especially vulnerable to getting strep throat as it can spread quickly through classrooms and daycare. 

Sara and the team at Wesleyan Urgent Care recommended washing your hands frequently to protect yourself from strep throat. Avoid touching your hands to your face, especially after touching public surfaces. If someone in your house has strep throat, don’t share cups or utensils, and sanitize community areas thoroughly.

With proper precautions and care, you can help keep you and others around you from getting ill. 

How is strep throat treated?

The acute pain of strep throat is quite treatable with antibiotics. The sooner you get a diagnosis and seek treatment, the faster you’ll get relief. 

Antibiotics also prevent you from being contagious. Take the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better, to ensure that the bacterial infection is eradicated completely.  

If you have symptoms of strep throat, don’t hesitate to contact the caring staff at Wesleyan Urgent Care today to set up an appointment and get treatment. Call or use this website to book a visit.