If you’ve ever had a sore throat, you know how uncomfortable it can be. But if your sore throat is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes, you may have strep throat. This common bacterial infection can be easily treated, but it’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have strep. NovaMed Urgent Care is here to help. Also, you can visit and make an appointment for treatment at NovaMed Urgent Care.
An image related to strep throat treatment at a Chicago urgent care center could be described as "a medical professional conducting a strep test on a patient, providing prompt and accurate results and recommending a course of treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

What is Strep?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. It’s caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, which can be spread through coughing and sneezing. Strep is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, but anyone can get it. It’s important to note that not all sore throats are caused by strep – in fact, most sore throats are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics.

Symptoms of Strep

The symptoms of strep can vary from person to person, but typically include:

  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • White or yellow spots on the back of the throat
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rash

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment for Strep

If you have strep throat, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe antibiotics to help clear the strep infection. It’s important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better before you’ve finished the medication. This helps prevent the infection from coming back or spreading to others. In addition to antibiotics, you can also take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve symptoms like pain and fever.
a medical professional discussing the importance of seeking care for strep throat at an Illinois urgent care center, emphasizing the need to receive prompt treatment to avoid complications and prevent the spread of infection.

When to Seek Urgent Care

While strep throat is usually not a serious illness, there are certain situations where you should seek urgent care. If you have any of the following symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider right away:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Severe headache or neck pain
  • High fever (over 101°F)
  • Pus in the back of the throat
  • Rash that spreads

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention at NovaMed Urgent Care. Our team of healthcare providers can diagnose and treat strep throat and other common illnesses and injuries. We offer convenient hours and accept most major insurance plans, so you can get the care you need without the hassle.

Preventing Strep

While it’s not always possible to prevent strep throat, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting the infection. These include:

  • Washing your hands frequently, especially after being around someone who is sick
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
  • Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Avoiding sharing food, drinks, or utensils with others
  • Disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces like doorknobs and phones

By taking these simple steps, you can help reduce your risk of getting strep throat and other common illnesses, or you can visit NovaMed Urgent Care Center to get information about this disease.

According to this information

In conclusion, strep throat is a common bacterial infection that can be easily treated with antibiotics. If you suspect you have strep, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment. If you experience any severe symptoms, seek urgent care right away. At Novamed Urgent Care, we’re here to help you stay healthy and feel your best.

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