Strep throat is a bacterial infection, which commonly comes along with flu or cold. It normally makes one’s throat feel sore and scratchy. If not treated, this infection can lead to other health complications, like rheumatic or kidney inflammation. Subsequently, rheumatic fever could result in painful and inflamed joints, as well as damage of the heart valve. While strep throat largely affects children, it can also afflict people of all ages. Several things can cause strep throat. Here, we look at how you can get this infection, its symptoms, how to treat it, as well as how it can be prevented. If you believe you have strep throat in San Diego it is important you visit an urgent care center ASAP. If you are looking for testing and treatment for Strep Throat in San Diego, give us a call today to schedule your appointment!

Everything You Need to Know About Strep Throat Treatment in San Diego

What Causes Strep Throat?

Strep throat is caused by bacteria known as streptococcus pyogenes, which is also called group A streptococcus. These bacteria are extremely contagious and are transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.

Likewise, if you touch your eyes, mouth, or nose after touching an object that has the infectious droplets on it, you might get the infection. Also, if you share a plate or cup with an infected person, you may pick up the streptococcal bacteria. You can also get infected by touching wounds on your skin occasioned by group A strep.

It is also worth noting that a number of factors can raise your risk of getting strep throat. These include:

• Time of the year – While strep throat can affect you at any time of the year, it’s normally prevalent in late fall and early spring.
• Young age – Strep throat largely affects children.

How Does Strep Throat Manifest Itself?

There are several symptoms that are indicative of strep throat. Here are the most common ones:

• A fever
• Sore throat – normally starts rapidly and can inflict pain when swallowing
• Red and swollen tonsils – may have streaks of pus or white patches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Minute, red spots on the roof of your Buccal cavity

You may also experience headache, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. If you have strep throat, you might also develop a rash called scarlet fever, or scarlitina.

It is also worth noting that running nose, cough, conjunctivitis, and hoarse voice aren’t symptoms of strep throat. They are rather indicative of a virus-caused illness.

How is Strep Throat Treated?

After testing and confirming that you have strep throat, your doctor should give you antibiotics. Antibiotics reduce the time you’re able to transmit the infection to other people as well as minimize the chances of spreading the infection to your other body parts. They’ll also help you recover quickly. .

Your doctor might also recommend over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve pain and alleviate your fever. You should realize that you are infectious as long as the symptoms exist. However, many individuals stop being infectious 24 hours after they begin using antibiotics. If you don’t use antibiotics, you might be infectious for 2-3 weeks, even after the symptoms disappear.

Final Thoughts

Strep throat is a bacterial infection, which affects the throat, lymph nodes, and tonsil. It should be treated on time, with a course of antibiotics, to avoid further complications like renal problems, heart issues, and rheumatic fever. If you believe you are suffering from strep throat in San Diego, visit the Perlman Clinic for treatment today!