Strep Throat
STREP THROAT: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
WHAT IS STREP THROAT?
Strep A is a bacterial infection affecting the throat and tonsils, caused by ‘Group A’ strep – or group A Streptococcus – bacteria. Resulting in inflammation, redness, and what many describe as ‘the sore throat of all sore throats’, most strep A infections are generally not serious, and clear up after a short course of antibiotics.
Strep throat represents up to 30% of sore throats in children, and up to 15% of sore throats in adults, making it one of the most common bacterial diseases in the US.
SYMPTOMS OF STREP THROAT
STREP A
Usually, those with Strep A present to the doctor’s office with a sense that they don’t feel quite right, with a high temperature, muscle aches, nausea, swollen glands, and a sore throat. While many of these symptoms overlap with the flu, a sore throat that lasts for more than 48 hours, pain when swallowing, and a distinctly red throat are all tell-tale signs that Strep A may be on the cards.
STREP B
Like Strep A, symptoms of Strep B include a general sense of feeling under the weather: Fever, chills, and a notable fatigue. However, they’re usually accompanied by more severe symptoms, including a low temperature, difficulty breathing, seizures, chest pain, and more. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek urgent medical attention.
URGENT CARE STREP THROAT
For many, the pain of strep throat is debilitating, making eating, drinking, and even talking a source of unbearable pain. To kickstart your path to recovery, we’d recommend seeking medical attention – quickly. Not only will you be provided with effective pain relief and antibiotics to fight off the infection, but you’ll minimize the likelihood of developing complications. It’s a small time commitment, with huge rewards.