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Strep Throat

Express Lane Urgent Care

Urgent Care located in Turlock, CA

Strep throat, which can make swallowing incredibly painful, is a highly contagious bacterial infection. If you or your child has a sore throat, the practitioners at Express Lane Urgent Care in Turlock, California, offer rapid strep testing, so you can get fast results. You can always walk into the clinic during business hours to get the strep throat care you need or call ahead to schedule a visit.

Strep Throat Q & A

What is strep throat?

Sore throats can stem from a number of things, from allergies to viral infections. But strep throat, one of the most severe types of sore throat, is caused by a bacterial infection, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes.

When this strain of bacteria enters your body by breathing in droplets that contain the bacteria, sharing the same glass or utensil as an infected person, or other means, it causes the delicate tissues in the back of your throat, especially your tonsils, to become inflamed.

How do I know if I have strep throat?

The primary symptom of strep throat is a sore throat. But the throat inflammation you experience with strep is so severe, swallowing anything can become overwhelmingly painful. This can be particularly dangerous for children, since they may not want to eat or drink, which can lead to dehydration. Strep throat also often leads to:

  • High fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Red and swollen tonsils
  • Swollen neck lymph nodes
  • Tiny red spots on the roof of your mouth
  • White patches or pus on your tonsils

Plus, because your body is fighting hard to ward off that bacterial infection, you’re probably going to feel tired, run down, and overly fatigued. If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, the team at Express Lane Urgent Care can help.

Is there a treatment for strep throat?

Yes! The compassionate practitioners at Express Lane Urgent Care understand how uncomfortable strep throat can become. They may perform rapid strep tests right in the office, and if needed perform a culture swab that is sent out to the lab for further evaluation. Depending on your lab results and the severity of your strep throat symptoms, your treatment plan may include:

  • Oral antibiotic medication
  • Gargling with warm salt water
  • Symptom relievers, such as ibuprofen

Because strep throat can easily spread to other family members, your medical provider at Express Lane Urgent Care even spends time counseling you on how to prevent future illnesses in your home. Sanitizing all surfaces, washing your hands, and avoiding sharing foods and drinks while someone is sick can all help lower your family’s future risk of strep throat issues.

The team at Express Lane Urgent Care welcomes walk-in visits if you’re suffering from strep throat. You can also call ahead to book.