A sore throat is common, especially during cold and flu season, but not all sore throats are the same. Though many are caused by viral infections that clear on their own, others may be a sign of strep throat.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires testing and antibiotics. In fact, strep throat alone accounts for 2.8 million antibiotic prescriptions in America.
Since we’re in the thick of cold and flu season, Dr. Rogers Walker and Shelley Gilbert, PA-C, want to take a moment to explain what strep throat is and when you should get tested for it here at Walker Family Care in Little River, South Carolina.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses. However, strep throat isn’t. It’s a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus and affects over 288 million kids worldwide.
It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact and is most common in children aged 5-15, but adults can get it, too.
Unlike viral sore throats, strep usually doesn’t come with a cough or runny nose and often starts suddenly.
Some symptoms raise the likelihood that your sore throat is more than just a cold.
You might suspect that you (or your child) is dealing with strep throat if you have:
If several of these symptoms appear together, testing is recommended.
You can’t reliably tell strep throat apart from a viral infection by symptoms alone. A rapid strep test or a throat culture is the only way to know for sure whether you have strep throat.
Getting tested for strep throat means that you can:
You should consider strep testing if:
The good news is that we offer on-site testing in our lab, so if you come in for a sick visit, we’ve got you covered.
If your test confirms strep throat, Dr. Walker may prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin. If you’re allergic to either of these, there are other options.
Regardless of which type of antibiotics you take, antibiotic treatment can shorten the duration of your symptoms, reduce contagiousness, and prevent complications. Most people start to feel better within 24–48 hours of treatment.
Reminder: It’s important to finish the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve quickly. This helps prevent antibiotic resistance.
In addition to taking your antibiotics as prescribed, you may find relief with warm herbal tea or broth. The warmth can help soothe a sore throat, ease discomfort when swallowing, and keep you hydrated as your body heals.
Get medical attention promptly if you have difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing fluids, persistent high fever, or symptoms that worsen rapidly.
A sore throat shouldn’t leave you guessing. If you’re unsure whether it’s strep, testing gives you the answers you need.
Visit Walker Family Care today for quick strep testing, compassionate care, and treatment you can trust
Walk in anytime or call ahead at 843-280-8333.
