Rapid Strep Testing in Laredo, TX
Does your throat feel like it’s on fire? Does it hurt or tingle when you swallow? An exceptionally bad sore throat could be a sign that you are infected with bacteria known as group A Streptococcus. Commonly referred to as strep throat, this highly contagious and painful infection can be quickly diagnosed with rapid strep testing. You can receive this relatively simple throat swab test at VitalMed Urgent Care in Laredo, Texas, and we’ll have your result ready within minutes, along with a strategy to help you feel better.
What Are the Signs of Strep Throat?
In addition to extreme throat pain and difficulty swallowing, a strep infection can cause:
- Fever, chills and body aches
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen tonsils
- Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck
- Bad breath
- Tiny red spots (petechiae) on the roof of your mouth
Generally, the symptoms of strep are more severe than the symptoms of a typical sore throat and they tend to develop more quickly.
Why Is Rapid Strep Testing Needed & What Does It Involve?
Many strep throat symptoms can also be caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu. It’s important to know the difference because bacterial and viral infections require different treatment approaches. Rapid strep testing is a fast and effective way to confirm a diagnosis.
When performing a rapid strep test, a VitalMed provider will gently swab the back of your throat. Then, in our onsite clinical lab, we will examine your sample for strep antigens, which your body’s immune system would produce to help fight off the strep bacteria if you were infected.
How Is Strep Throat Treated?
After evaluating your symptoms and your rapid strep test result, we can suggest an appropriate treatment regimen to help you feel better. If you are diagnosed with strep throat, we may prescribe a course of antibiotics to destroy the bacteria that are causing your infection and help prevent complications, such as rheumatic fever. Additionally, you should get plenty of rest, stay well-hydrated, gargle with warm salt water and eat cool, soft foods to avoid irritating your throat.
If you have a sore throat, we can perform rapid strep testing to get to the bottom of it. That’s the best way to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment to help you feel better and recover. Contact or visit VitalMed Urgent Care in Laredo, TX, today.
