Strep throat is a bacterial throat infection caused by group A Streptococcus. It can cause a sudden, painful sore throat, fever and swollen glands, often without a cough. Urgentology Care in Arlington and Colleyville tests for strep and can prescribe antibiotics when the infection is confirmed.
Our providers can review your symptoms, evaluate your condition, and discuss appropriate care options based on your individual needs.
A sudden sore throat with fever and no cough may be strep. Walk in for an evaluation and a strep test.
A cough and runny nose often point to a viral infection. Your provider can help determine whether testing or another type of care is appropriate.
Seek emergency care if you have trouble breathing, drooling because you cannot swallow saliva, or a muffled voice with one-sided throat swelling. These symptoms can indicate a serious airway or throat problem.
Strep
A strep throat infection often starts suddenly with a painful sore throat, fever and swollen glands, usually without a cough. A positive test helps confirm the infection, and antibiotics may be prescribed.
Viral Sore Throat
A viral sore throat may occur with a cough, runny nose or hoarseness and can develop gradually. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, so care focuses on symptom relief.
Step 1: Throat Exam
Your provider reviews your symptoms and examines your throat and tonsils for signs of strep or another cause of your sore throat.
Step 2: Strep Test
We may perform a rapid strep test using a throat swab. If the rapid test is negative, a throat culture may be needed in children, depending on age and current clinical guidance.
Step 3: Antibiotics When Appropriate
If strep is confirmed, your provider may prescribe antibiotics. Take them exactly as directed and complete the prescribed course.
Step 4: School or Work Guidance
We’ll explain symptom care and when you may return to school or work. In general, people with strep should be fever-free and have taken appropriate antibiotics for at least 12–24 hours, following their provider’s guidance and applicable school or workplace rules.
Test 1 Title: Rapid Strep Test Test 1 Description: A rapid strep test uses a throat swab to check for group A Streptococcus. Results are often available within minutes. Test 2 Title: Throat Culture When Needed Test 2 Description: A throat culture checks for strep bacteria and may be recommended when a rapid test is negative, particularly for symptomatic children when backup testing is indicated.
A rapid strep test usually provides results within minutes, so many patients know before leaving Urgentology Care in Arlington or Colleyville. If a child’s rapid test is negative, a backup throat culture may be recommended according to current clinical guidance.
People with strep throat can generally return when they are fever-free and have taken appropriate antibiotics for at least 12–24 hours. Follow your provider’s instructions and your school or workplace requirements. Urgentology Care can provide a note when appropriate.
Yes. Strep throat is most common in children ages 5–15, but adults can get it too, including parents of school-age children. Urgentology Care evaluates adults and children 12 months and older at both clinics.
Taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed helps treat the infection and reduce the risk of complications, including rheumatic fever. Contact your healthcare provider if side effects make it difficult to continue your medication. Seek urgent help for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
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