Have you been diagnosed with strep throat? It may feel like it will last forever, but once you begin treatment, you’re on the mend. In fact, with the right treatment, your strep throat will only last for a few days.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Louisville wants you to know both how to treat and prevent strep throat!

What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus, and it is extremely contagious.

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a regular sore throat and strep throat. But usually, if you have strep throat, you will experience other symptoms, including a fever, along with your sore throat, which will be particularly intense.

Treatment of Strep Throat

• Take antibiotics, as prescribed.
• Stay away from irritants that hurt your throat.
• Eat soothing foods.
• Gargle with warm salt water.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
• Use a humidifier.

Can Strep Throat Go Away on Its Own?

In some cases, strep throat may go away on its own. But because it’s a bacterial infection, it usually requires treatment with an antibiotic. Once you begin taking an antibiotic, your illness will no longer be contagious after 24 to 48 hours.

Of course, the best way of treating anything is to prevent it in the first place. Healthy lifestyle habits can help you do that.

Prevention of Strep Throat

• Don’t handle used tissues.
• Wash your hands on a regular basis.
• Don’t share drinking glasses and food with other people.
• Avoid contact with those who are sick.
• Boost the immune system with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Do you think you might have strep throat? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Louisville today for medical care. We are open seven days a week!