Do You Need a Strep Test for Your Sore Throat?
Sore throat is a common symptom in various illnesses, such as common colds or flu, and can be an effect of environmental factors such as dry air, pollution, or allergies. On the other hand, strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. It can spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. It is common among children aged 5-15, but anyone can develop the infection. The main difference between the two is that while sore throat subsides on its own within a few days without any treatment, strep throat typically requires antibiotics to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.
Lakeside Pharmacy offers strep tests in Huntersville to detect the presence of group A Streptococcus bacteria. With an accurate and rapid diagnosis, the patient can quickly receive appropriate treatment and feel better sooner.
What Is a Strep Test?
A strep test is a medical test used to diagnose strep throat and is one of two ways to test detect the infection, which is throat culture.
A strep test involves taking a swab of the back of the throat with a cotton swab to collect a sample of mucus from the tonsils and back of the throat. The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to check for the presence of bacteria.
We recommend you consider consulting your healthcare provider about taking a strep test if you experience most of the symptoms listed below for several days:
- Have a sudden sore throat
- Experience painful swallowing
- Have fever
- Have red, swollen tonsils and with white spots
- Have swollen lymph nodes in the neck
After your consultation, you may visit Lakeside Pharmacy for assistance with strep test.
What to Expect with the Test?
A rapid strep test can provide results within 20 minutes, so finding out that you have tested positive for strep throat will help you access the right treatment as fast as possible. Your physician may prescribe you a course of antibiotics treatment that aids in clearing the infection and preventing complications. Make sure to inform your provider if you have an allergy to penicillin and to complete the full course of the treatment. This helps to fully get rid of the infection and complications.
Throughout the treatment, get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, avoid irritants such as smoke and pollution, and gargle with warm salt water to soothe your throat and reduce inflammation.
If the test is negative but strep throat is still suspected, you may be advised for a throat culture. This test takes 1-2 days to get results.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to know if you can course your payment for medications and medical supplies on this insurance.