Could Your Sore Throat Be Strep? Find Out With a Strep Test in Laredo, TX

Strep Test Laredo TX

Does your throat feel like it is on fire? Does it hurt to swallow? You could have an ordinary sore throat, which is usually caused by the viruses responsible for the common cold or flu. But you could also have strep throat, a highly contagious bacterial infection that may require antibiotic treatment. The only way to know for sure is to be tested. At VitalMed Urgent Care in Laredo, Texas, we can perform a rapid strep test on site and have your result available within minutes.

Should You Be Tested for Strep?

Strep symptoms often come on very suddenly. In addition to severe throat pain and difficulty swallowing, a strep infection may cause:

  • Fever, chills and muscle aches
  • Inflamed tonsils
  • Tiny red or white patches at the back of the mouth
  • Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Headaches
  • Nausea or vomiting

Because a bacterial (strep) infection and a viral infection require different treatment approaches, it is important to determine the cause of these symptoms. The fastest way to do so is to receive a rapid strep test.

To test you for strep, a provider at VitalMed will gently swab the back of your throat. Then, we’ll analyze the swab in our on-site clinical lab for evidence of strep antigens, which are produced by the body’s immune system in response to exposure to the strep bacteria. Based on a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and the outcome of your rapid strep test, we will diagnose your condition and suggest an appropriate treatment plan to help you feel better.

How Is Strep Throat Treated?

If you are diagnosed with strep, we may prescribe an antibiotic to help destroy the bacteria that are causing your infection, which will soothe your sore throat and prevent complications, such as rheumatic fever. With antibiotic treatment, your strep infection should resolve fairly quickly. However, to help prevent a recurrence as well as the development of a more serious drug-resistant infection, it is important that you take all of your medication exactly as prescribed. As you recover, you should rest at home, stay well-hydrated, gargle with warm salt water, and eat soft foods to avoid irritating your throat.

If you have a sore throat and would like to receive a rapid strep test, come to VitalMed Urgent Care in Laredo, TX, today.

OUR LOCATIONS

VitalMed is Here When You Need Us

North Clinic 5711 McPherson Rd. Ste 103
Laredo, TX, 78041

Get Directions

  

Tel: 956-602-8595   Fax: 956-602-8685

South Clinic 3120 La Pita Mangana Rd. No. 100
Laredo, TX, 78046

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Tel: 956-568-1350   Fax: 956-568-1588

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING
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Ana Hernandez

Always outstanding service from VitalMed! FNP Neira has always treated my family and myself with 100% loving care. Their new online booking Solv cuts down on wait time and lets you register from the comfort of your home. 10/10 recommend!! Go to Urgent care!!

Leticia Zamora

Great service and personal attention... Clinic is very nice and clean. Personnel from office to the medical professionals were very attentive and addressed all my concerns. Thank you!

Gladys Thomas

Excellent staff and great care, couldn't ask for better care.. I was in the nursing field for 18 years and I would recommend this clinic to everyone I know.

Illeana Lopez

Very friendly staff and very efficient! I went in and got seen within 10 minutes. Dr listened to my needs and attended. Very satisfied

Wendy Nunez

Wonderful service! Everything was clean. The staff was courteous and professional. The wait time was short. Love the App that’s available so that patients can “check-in” and get in line at home. Highly recommend.

Why VitalMed?

Since our founding in 2015, VitalMed has set the gold standard for non-emergency urgent care in the Laredo, TX, community. Our medical providers take great pride in making the lives of local individuals, families, employers and employees a bit easier. In non-life-threatening situations, we are a convenient and cost-effective alternative to an ER.

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