A painful sore throat is a common sign of strep throat, which is caused by a bacterial infection. Michigan Avenue Primary Care in The Loop of downtown Chicago, Illinois, offers prompt diagnosis and treatment for strep throat. Call Michigan Avenue Primary Care or request an appointment online today.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a painful, sore throat and other symptoms. Strep throat affects people of all ages but is most common in children.
Strep throat is highly contagious. The infection is caused by streptococcal bacteria, which is spread by sharing food or drinks or through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs.
Streptococcal bacteria also linger on doorknobs and other surfaces. You can catch strep throat by touching an infected object and then touching your:
To prevent the spread of strep, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoid sharing food and drinks.
Most sore throats aren’t strep throat. However, if you or your child are experiencing the symptoms of strep throat, you should contact Michigan Avenue Primary Care for prompt diagnosis and treatment. When left untreated, strep may spread, infecting the:
Untreated strep may also lead to certain inflammatory conditions, such as scarlet fever or rheumatic fever.
Strep throat causes a range of symptoms, including:
Nausea or vomiting is also common with strep throat, especially in younger children.
Your Michigan Avenue Primary Care provider examines your throat and looks for symptoms of strep throat. A throat culture is generally needed to confirm your diagnosis. For your convenience, Michigan Avenue Primary Care offers an on-site lab.
Your provider creates a treatment plan to eliminate the infection that’s causing your strep throat. They will prescribe antibiotics to treat the streptococcal bacteria. A course of antibiotics usually lasts 10 days.
If you are living with a painful, sore throat, Michigan Avenue Primary Care offers prompt diagnosis and treatment. Call the office or request an appointment online today.