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Sore and strep throat treatment

A sore or scratchy throat can be a sign of strep throat or inflammation. At GoHealth Urgent Care we can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment for your sore throat symptoms. Just walk in or save your spot online for an evaluation with one of our experienced providers.

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Sore and strep throat symptoms

sore throat can be a symptom of many different conditions such as the flu, strep throat, or allergies. But how can you tell the difference between a sore throat and strep throat? It is sometimes difficult to know the cause of your sore throat based on symptoms alone. Conditions may involve: 

  • Painful or irritated throat
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Body aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Hoarseness

The only way to know if it’s strep throat or a sore throat caused by other conditions is with a strep throat test. Only a healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms, administer a strep test and determine the best course of action for you.

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Causes of sore and strep throat

sore throat can be caused by a virus or bacteria. For example, influenza and the common cold are common causes. Both are viral infections. 

About 15% of sore throats are caused by a bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes or “strep”. Strep throat is a highly contagious infection that makes your throat extremely sore. You may also experience fatigue, fever and body aches. 

Strep throat is common in children, particularly in the winter months, and can also produce symptoms of belly aches and headaches not typical in adults. One of the best ways you can avoid picking up bacteria's like Strep is by practicing good hand hygiene.

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Testing and treatment

If you have a sore throat that isn’t improving with at-home remedies or is accompanied by a high fever, it is best to visit a healthcare provider for an evaluation and possible strep throat diagnosis. When you visit any of our GoHealth Urgent Cares we will do an evaluation of your symptoms and conduct a strep throat test, if necessary. 

Strep throat treatment requires antibiotics, as it is caused by a bacterial infection. Your healthcare provider at GoHealth Urgent Care can also provide recommendations to soothe your symptoms while you wait for the antibiotic to work. While strep can go away on its own, after 1-2 miserable weeks, it is very important to receive treatment for strep throat to prevent possible rare, serious issues such as rheumatic fever and permanent heart disease. 

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Other conditions that GoHealth Urgent Care treats

At GoHealth Urgent Care we offer treatment for many other causes of sore throats, including:

  • Common cold and influenza
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Tonsillitis
  • Allergies
  • Sinusitis
  • Pharyngitis
  • Bronchitis

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