Sore and strep throat treatment A sore or scratchy throat can be a sign of strep throat or inflammation. At GoHealth Urgent Care we can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment for your sore throat symptoms. Just walk in or save your spot online for an evaluation with one of our experienced providers. Location Choose a location near you Reason for visit How can we help you? Date & time Choose timeslot Sore and strep throat symptoms A sore throat can be a symptom of many different conditions such as the flu, strep throat, or allergies. But how can you tell the difference between a sore throat and strep throat? It is sometimes difficult to know the cause of your sore throat based on symptoms alone. Conditions may involve: Painful or irritated throat Fever Fatigue Body aches Swollen lymph nodes Hoarseness The only way to know if it’s strep throat or a sore throat caused by other conditions is with a strep throat test. Only a healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms, administer a strep test and determine the best course of action for you. Find your center Causes of sore and strep throat A sore throat can be caused by a virus or bacteria. For example, influenza and the common cold are common causes. Both are viral infections. About 15% of sore throats are caused by a bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes or “strep”. Strep throat is a highly contagious infection that makes your throat extremely sore. You may also experience fatigue, fever and body aches. Strep throat is common in children, particularly in the winter months, and can also produce symptoms of belly aches and headaches not typical in adults. One of the best ways you can avoid picking up bacteria's like Strep is by practicing good hand hygiene. Testing and treatment If you have a sore throat that isn’t improving with at-home remedies or is accompanied by a high fever, it is best to visit a healthcare provider for an evaluation and possible strep throat diagnosis. When you visit any of our GoHealth Urgent Cares we will do an evaluation of your symptoms and conduct a strep throat test, if necessary. Strep throat treatment requires antibiotics, as it is caused by a bacterial infection. Your healthcare provider at GoHealth Urgent Care can also provide recommendations to soothe your symptoms while you wait for the antibiotic to work. While strep can go away on its own, after 1-2 miserable weeks, it is very important to receive treatment for strep throat to prevent possible rare, serious issues such as rheumatic fever and permanent heart disease. Save your spot Other conditions that GoHealth Urgent Care treats At GoHealth Urgent Care we offer treatment for many other causes of sore throats, including: Common cold and influenza Upper respiratory infections Tonsillitis Allergies Sinusitis Pharyngitis Bronchitis All services Frequently asked questions Sore Throat When should I go to urgent care for a sore throat? How long does strep throat last? Can strep throat go away on its own? Is strep throat viral or bacterial? What is the difference between strep throat and tonsillitis? Is strep throat a sign of COVID-19? Can I get a rapid strep test at GoHealth Urgent Care? Related articles Visit Health Library QUIZ: Are you sore throat savvy and laryngitis literate? A sore throat can be so painful you don’t want to speak. Laryngitis can make you so hoarse you can’t speak. How much do you know about these two common conditions and how to treat them? Read article Viral And Bacterial Sore Throats During The COVID-19 Pandemic Every year, 11 million patients in the U.S. seek medical care for a sore throat (which is called pharyngitis.) Since a sore throat is one of the hallmark symptoms of COVID-19, it’s worth taking a moment to learn about the differences between pharyngitis that’s caused by viruses (including COVID-19, the flu and the common cold) and pharyngitis that’s caused by bacteria (including strep throat). Read article Home Remedies for Strep Throat Symptoms The scratchy, burning pain of a sore throat can make life miserable. From sipping water to answering the phone, everyday tasks are suddenly painful challenges. 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