Sore Throat

What causes a sore throat?

A sore throat can make it difficult to swallow liquids or foods. You might develop a sore throat as a side effect of:

• Colds
• Flu
• Allergies
• Smoking

A sore throat can also be a sign of an infection (strep throat) that results from group A Streptococcus bacterium. This infection is highly contagious, spreading through person-to-person contact.

When should I seek treatment for a sore throat?

If your sore throat is severe, lasts longer than a few days, or occurs with a fever, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Cali Quick Urgent Care to determine if you have strep throat. Other common signs of a strep infection can include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Red, swollen tonsils
• White patches at the back of the throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck

The team offers on-site testing to confirm or rule out a sore throat. They use a swab to collect fluids from the back of your throat for further evaluation. The physicians also visually examine your throat, tonsils, and nose to identify what’s contributing to your throat irritation.

How is a sore throat treated?

Many times, a sore throat doesn’t require a doctor’s care. You can treat it at home with lozenges, warm fluids, Popsicles® or similar foods, and rest.

However, if your strep test comes back positive, the Cali Quick Urgent Care team can prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat it. It’s important that you complete your full treatment to ensure the infection goes away. Missing doses of your antibiotics can allow the infection to return.

You will need to stay home from work, school, and other social activities until you no longer have a fever and have started your antibiotic treatments. The team can recommend when you can safely resume your usual activities.

To reduce your risk for additional strep infections and sore throats caused by viruses, be sure to stay away from others who are sick, and wash your hands with soap and water frequently.

If you need a diagnostic evaluation for a sore throat, call Cali Quick Urgent Care to schedule an appointment or book a consultation online today.