Strep throat is a common illness that can affect people of all ages at any time of year. It’s very treatable with prescriptions, so knowing the signs and understanding the diagnosis and treatment can help you overcome the condition quickly. If you suspect you may have strep throat, here’s what you need to know. 

What Are the Symptoms?

Sore throat is the most common sign of strep throat. This is also common with a cold or the flu, but strep throat generally does not also come with a runny nose, congestion, or coughing. 

The condition also causes a red, inflamed throat with white spots that are usually visible in a basic exam. Some people also experience more severe symptoms like a fever, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches. 

How Does a Doctor Diagnose Strep Throat?

Strep throat is caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, so doctors generally swab the throat to collect a sample. During your visit, they'll conduct a rapid test that can diagnose the condition before you leave the office. 

If the initial results are negative, the doctor will send out a throat culture to a lab for more accurate testing. Rapid tests are fairly reliable, but there are sometimes false negatives, so the additional test may be necessary for a diagnosis.

How Is Strep Throat Treated?

Since strep throat is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are used to recover from the condition. Your doctor will provide you with a prescription for medication that will kill the bacteria. It may take days to fully eliminate symptoms, but patients generally feel some relief and are no longer contagious after a day of taking antibiotics. 

If you’re looking for a place to fill your prescription for strep throat, head to Hickman’s Pharmacy in Princeton, WV. They offer an array of medication and devices to help customers throughout southern West Virginia improve health outcomes. They’re also known for low wait times, so you can get your antibiotics quickly. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (304) 425-2188 to ask about filling a prescription.