Do I Have Strep Throat or Just a Sore Throat? | AFC Urgent Care Memphis
The holiday season is meant to be full of good tidings and cheer! What it doesn’t need to include is strep throat—or even a sore throat.
Our team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis want you to know how you can tell the difference between a strep throat and a sore throat, as well as what steps you can take to combat strep throat so that you can enjoy the holidays without sickness!
What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation, as well as pain, in your throat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 11,000 to 13,000 causes of strep throat among Americans every year.
There are a number of symptoms can could signal strep throat:
- Throat pain that comes on quickly
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Swollen, red tonsils
- Tender and swollen lymph nodes
If you have a sore throat, as well as the aforementioned symptoms, then you are more than likely dealing with a strep throat. However, if you have a sore throat accompanied by sneezing and coughing, it could be something else like a common cold or allergies.
The only way to know for sure whether your illness is actually strep throat is to seek medical attention and a proper diagnosis.
How Do You Treat Strep Throat?
If you are diagnosed with strep throat, your doctor will likely prescribe a round of antibiotics. It’s important to take the medication as directed and until it’s gone, since stopping early can lead to the illness returning.
There are also other steps you can take to get back to feeling like yourself:
- Get plenty of rest, as sleep can help to fight an infection.
- Drink plenty of water to help stay hydrated.
- Consume foods that are soothing to your throat.
- Use a humidifier.
- Gargle with salt water.
Do you think you might be coming down with strep throat? Visit AFC Urgent Care Memphis for a medical evaluation. We are here for you seven days a week!