Strep Throat

Strep throat is the reason for more than five million outpatient appointments yearly in the United States. If you suspect you or a loved one has strep throat because of a sore, bright red, or spotted throat, turn to Care Now Medical Group in North Hollywood, California. Hayk Papukhyan, MD, Alina Ter-Grigorian, NP, and the team screen for and treat strep throat to ease symptoms and avoid a worsening infection. Schedule an appointment by calling the office, using the online booking feature, or walking in today. 

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is an infection in the tonsils and throat, causing inflammation and soreness in those areas. It’s caused by bacteria, called group A Streptococcus, and there are more than 120 strains in this group. 

Treatment can relieve unpleasant symptoms and avoid worsening problems like rheumatic fever, which could contribute to permanent damage to the heart or other organs. Treatment often helps strep throat disappear within 7-10 days.

Who does strep throat typically affect?

Strep throat is common among school-aged kids (5-15 years old), but it can affect children of all ages and adults. Other risk factors include being in a group setting (schools, day care centers, colleges, etc.) or military barracks. Strep throat is the most common cause of a sore throat.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

Strep throat symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Red throat
• Fever 
• Chills
• Reduced appetite
• Stomach pain
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swollen or red tonsils
• White spots, patches, or streaks on the throat or tonsils
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Strep throat rash (scarlet fever)
• Tender or swollen lymph nodes
• Pain when swallowing

Sometimes, however, strep throat doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. 

What are the risk factors for strep throat?

Strep throat spreads from person to person, as it’s very contagious. Strep bacteria might spread via direct contact or through respiratory droplets in the air from talking, coughing, or sneezing. 

Sharing personal items with an infected person is a risk factor, too. Some people get the infection from touching sores on the skin containing strep. Taking antibiotics can stop strep throat from being contagious after 24-48 hours.

How is strep throat diagnosed?

The experts at Care Now Medical Group diagnose strep throat by discussing your symptoms and lifestyle, reviewing your medical history, and examining your throat. They also swab your throat to look for signs of group A Streptococcus bacteria. A rapid strep test takes about 20 minutes. Your provider can also send your throat culture to a lab for further analysis.

How is strep throat treated?

Treating strep throat often involves taking antibiotics, a medicine that kills the strep bacteria over time. You might receive an antibiotic as a pill, liquid, or shot. It’s important to take your medicine exactly as instructed, get plenty of rest, and drink a lot of fluids. You can return to work or school after being fever-free for 24 hours after taking your first dose of the antibiotic. 

Schedule a strep throat evaluation at Care Now Medical Group by calling the office or booking an appointment online today. Walk-ins are also welcome.