Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus that affects the throat and tonsils. It is common in both children and adults, with symptoms typically including a sudden sore throat, difficulty swallowing, red and swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches or pus), fever, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat generally does not cause a cough or runny nose.

If you or your child is showing symptoms of strep throat, it’s crucial to seek medical care since the infection is highly contagious. It spreads quickly through respiratory droplets or by touching contaminated surfaces. To diagnose the condition accurately, doctors often use rapid strep tests or throat cultures, which enable prompt treatment with antibiotics to alleviate symptoms, speed up recovery, and avoid complications.

If strep throat is left untreated, it can lead to severe complications like rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent these issues. At Plymouth Urgent Care & Bloomfield Urgent Care, our skilled healthcare providers will quickly assess your symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis. We offer immediate care for strep throat, ensuring you receive the right treatment to ease your symptoms and prevent complications. Our team is committed to making your visit efficient and comfortable, helping you get back to feeling your best.

A bacterial infection that mostly affects the tonsils and throat is called strep throat. It is caused by group A Streptococcus and is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms. Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat typically causes more severe pain and discomfort, with specific symptoms that set it apart.

The symptoms of strep throat typically include:

• Sudden severe sore throat: The pain can appear quickly and is often intense.
• Pain while swallowing: Swallowing may be painful due to the inflammation in the throat.
• Red and swollen tonsils: Sometimes the tonsils may have white patches or streaks of pus.
• Fever: A high fever often accompanies the infection.
• Headache: Many people with strep throat experience headaches.
• Swollen lymph nodes: Lymph nodes in the neck may become tender and enlarged.
• Rash: In some cases, a red rash can develop, known as scarlet fever, which is linked to strep throat.

Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat does not typically cause a cough, runny nose, or hoarseness. If these symptoms appear, it’s important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment. We offer thorough evaluations for all patients. Our experienced providers can quickly determine if strep throat is the cause of your symptoms and administer the proper care immediately.

Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads quickly from one person to another. When an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks, respiratory droplets are the primary way that it is spread. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with these droplets and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Close contact with an infected person, such as sharing food or drinks, can also increase the likelihood of contracting strep throat. To reduce the risk of spreading or catching the infection, it is essential to practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with others when symptoms are present.

At Plymouth Urgent Care and Bloomfield Urgent Care, we understand how important it is to get a quick and accurate diagnosis. Our experienced medical team is dedicated to providing fast, efficient care to help you feel better as soon as possible. We are committed to ensuring that you receive the right treatment without unnecessary delays, so you can get back to feeling your best. Whether you’re dealing with strep throat or another condition, we’re here to help with expert care and attention.

Strep throat is typically treated with antibiotics, as it is a bacterial infection. A healthcare provider will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic to help eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. Antibiotics not only relieve symptoms faster but also reduce the risk of complications and stop the virus from spreading to other people.

It’s important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better before finishing the medication. In addition to antibiotics, over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate throat pain and reduce fever. Drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and using throat lozenges or gargling with warm saltwater can also help soothe the throat and aid in recovery.

At Plymouth Urgent Care & Bloomfield Urgent Care, we provide prompt and effective treatment for strep throat. Our experienced medical team is here to accurately diagnose and treat your condition, ensuring a quick recovery and minimizing the risk of complications. We are dedicated to helping you feel better as soon as possible with compassionate care and personalized treatment. We also offer treatment for dehydration, acute illnesses, COVID-19, and lab testing to address a wide range of healthcare needs.

Contact us today for more information or schedule an appointment online! We have convenient locations to serve in Plymouth MI, and Bloomfield Hills MI. We serve patients from Plymouth MI, Bloomfield Hills MI, Livonia MI, Novi MI, Worden MI, Canton MI, Southfield MI, Troy MI, Farmington Hills MI and BEYOND.