Strep Throat Treatment in Tampa, FL

A sore or scratchy throat is usually a sign of a viral infection such as the common cold, especially if it is accompanied by a mild fever, cough, and stuffy or runny nose. In that case, the pain should improve after a few days of rest, and an over-the-counter sore throat remedy can be used to improve comfort in the meantime.

A less common but more serious cause of a sore throat is a strep infection. Both children and adults are susceptible to strep throat, a highly contagious bacterial infection that is easily spread through coughing, sneezing, and sharing food and eating utensils.

Unlike a viral infection, which will usually go away on its own, a bacterial infection may require prescription antibiotic treatment to help prevent potentially serious complications, such as kidney inflammation. Therefore, if you have a sore throat, it is important to know what is causing it.

How to Find Out If You Have Strep Throat

In general, you should seek medical attention for a sore throat that is severe or lasts longer than a few days. Other telltale signs of strep throat include pain when swallowing and small white spots on the tonsils. In Tampa, Florida, you can visit South Tampa Immediate Care, where our experienced team is available every day during extended hours to provide non-emergency urgent care, including rapid strep testing and strep throat treatment.

We can quickly determine if you have strep throat by performing a rapid strep test. A provider will gently rub a cotton swab over your tonsils and the back wall of your mouth to collect a small sample of your throat secretions. Then, we will immediately process your sample in our on-site lab. Within minutes, we should know whether you have a strep infection and need strep throat treatment.

If we determine that you have strep throat and prescribe oral antibiotic treatment, be sure to finish the entire supply as directed. Although antibiotics are effective and you might feel better right away, your sore throat may return if your infection is not fully resolved.

Feel Better Today

If you have strep throat symptoms, visit South Tampa Immediate Care for a rapid strep test today. Our walk-in clinic is located at 602 S. Howard Ave. in Tampa, FL.