Strep Throat Treatment
Available at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations
Fast Strep Throat Testing & Treatment
Strep throat is a bacterial infection requiring accurate diagnosis through rapid testing to determine if antibiotic treatment is necessary. We provide on-site rapid strep testing with fast results, allowing our medical providers to prescribe appropriate antibiotics when indicated. Walk-ins welcome at both Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations, open daily 8am-8pm with no appointment needed.
Signs You May Have Strep Throat
- Sudden onset of severe sore throat pain
- Pain when swallowing or talking
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever and chills
- Headache and body aches
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain (especially in children)
- Rash (scarlet fever)
- Absence of cough (strep typically doesn't cause coughing)
- Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours without improvement
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
How We Diagnose & Treat Strep Throat
Our evidence-based approach combines rapid diagnostic testing with comprehensive evaluation to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. According to CDC guidelines, proper testing is essential because strep throat symptoms can mimic viral infections that don't require antibiotics. We perform rapid strep tests on-site with fast results, enabling our medical providers to prescribe antibiotics when bacterial infection is confirmed.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Diagnostic Capabilities
Recovery Timeline & Self-Care
According to the CDC, most patients feel significantly better within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotic treatment, though completing the full course is essential to prevent complications. Rest, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Gargling with warm salt water may provide symptom relief. You're typically no longer contagious 24 hours after starting antibiotics. Replace your toothbrush after starting treatment to prevent reinfection. Return for follow-up if symptoms worsen or don't improve within 48-72 hours of treatment. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. For urgent but non-emergency conditions, visit True Compassion Urgent Care at either our Palm Beach Gardens or Stuart location. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Available at Both Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Rapid strep tests are highly accurate, with sensitivity rates of 85-95% according to medical literature. Our medical providers use FDA-approved rapid antigen detection tests that provide reliable results. In some cases, if clinical suspicion is high but the rapid test is negative, a throat culture may be recommended for confirmation, though this takes 24-48 hours for results.
No appointment is necessary. We welcome walk-ins daily from 8am to 8pm at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations. You can also call ahead if you'd like an estimated wait time, though we strive to see patients promptly.
While strep throat may improve on its own, antibiotics are recommended when bacterial infection is confirmed. According to CDC guidelines, antibiotic treatment reduces symptom duration, prevents complications like rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation, and decreases contagiousness. Our medical providers follow evidence-based protocols to determine when antibiotic treatment is appropriate.
Most patients notice significant improvement within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotic treatment. Fever typically resolves within 24 hours, and throat pain gradually decreases over 2-3 days. It's crucial to complete the entire antibiotic course even when feeling better to prevent complications and antibiotic resistance. If symptoms don't improve within 48-72 hours, return for re-evaluation.
Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. According to CDC guidelines, you're typically no longer contagious 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment and once fever has resolved. Many schools and workplaces require this 24-hour period before return. Our medical providers will give you specific guidance based on your symptoms and treatment.
Please bring your photo ID, insurance card if you have coverage, and a list of current medications including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. This information helps our medical providers ensure safe, effective treatment and avoid potential drug interactions. If you've had strep throat before, information about previous treatments can be helpful.
Yes, you can get strep throat multiple times. Having strep throat doesn't provide long-term immunity because there are many different strains of Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Some people are more susceptible to recurrent infections. If you experience frequent strep infections (3 or more per year), our medical providers can discuss prevention strategies and may recommend consultation with an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Visit urgent care for typical strep throat symptoms like sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. Seek emergency care immediately if you experience severe difficulty breathing, inability to swallow liquids, excessive drooling, signs of dehydration, stiff neck with severe headache, or if your throat is swelling shut. These may indicate serious complications requiring emergency intervention.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content on this page is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition.
In case of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not rely on this information for emergency medical treatment.
No physician-patient relationship is created by viewing this content. This information does not replace in-person evaluation and treatment by a licensed medical professional.
Ready to Get Care?
Walk-ins welcome at both locations. Open daily 8am-8pm.