Strep Throat Treatment
Available at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations
Fast Strep Throat Testing & Treatment
Strep throat treatment requires identifying whether your sore throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria through rapid testing. We provide rapid strep testing with fast results, allowing our medical providers to prescribe appropriate antibiotic treatment when needed. Walk-ins welcome at both Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations, open daily 8am-8pm.
Signs You May Have Strep Throat
- Sudden onset of severe sore throat pain
- Pain when swallowing or talking
- Fever or elevated temperature
- 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
- Headache and body aches
- Nausea or vomiting, 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 medical providers perform a thorough evaluation including examination of your throat and rapid strep testing. According to CDC guidelines, rapid antigen detection tests can identify Group A Streptococcus bacteria quickly. When strep is confirmed, we prescribe appropriate antibiotics and provide comprehensive care instructions to prevent complications and reduce contagion.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Diagnostic Capabilities
Recovery Timeline & Self-Care
According to CDC guidelines, most patients feel significantly better within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotic treatment, though completing the full course is essential. You're typically no longer contagious after 24 hours on antibiotics. Rest, stay hydrated, use throat lozenges, and take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Untreated strep can lead to serious complications including rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation. Return for care if symptoms worsen or don't improve within 48 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 studies. When the rapid test is positive, it's very reliable. If the rapid test is negative but your symptoms strongly suggest strep throat, our medical providers may recommend a throat culture for confirmation or treat based on clinical presentation.
No appointment is necessary. We welcome walk-ins daily from 8am to 8pm at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations. Most patients are evaluated, tested, and receive their treatment plan within a single visit.
Most patients notice significant improvement within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotic treatment. However, it's crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you feel better, to prevent complications and antibiotic resistance. According to CDC guidelines, you're typically no longer contagious after 24 hours on antibiotics.
While some cases may resolve on their own, untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications including rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, and abscess formation. The CDC recommends antibiotic treatment for confirmed strep throat to prevent these complications, reduce symptom duration, and prevent spread to others.
Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. According to CDC guidelines, you can typically return to work or school 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment and once fever-free without medication. Children and adults should stay home until meeting these criteria to prevent spreading the infection.
Please bring your photo ID, insurance card if you have coverage, and a list of current medications including any allergies. This information helps our medical providers ensure safe, effective treatment and avoid potential drug interactions.
Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria and typically causes sudden, severe throat pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes without cough or cold symptoms. Viral sore throats usually develop gradually and often include cough, runny nose, and hoarseness. Only rapid testing can definitively distinguish between bacterial strep and viral infections.
Visit the emergency room if you experience severe difficulty breathing, inability to swallow liquids, drooling, severe neck swelling, or signs of dehydration. For typical strep throat symptoms including sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing solid foods, urgent care is the appropriate level of care.
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.