woman suffering from sore throat holding a cup of tea at home strep sick

Should I Go to an ER for Strep Throat?

Do I Need to Go to the Emergency Room for Strep Throat?

Though strep throat (streptococcus) is often very painful and highly contagious, it doesn’t often require a trip to the emergency room. However, in some rare cases, patients with extreme symptoms should seek emergency medical attention for proper care.

Keep reading to learn when you should visit our team at Quality Care ER for strep throat treatment.

Emergency Signs of Strep Throat

Most patients with strep throat will notice that their lymph nodes are swollen and that the back of their throat has white pus, causing them to fear that something is wrong. While it’s true that if you have an extremely sore throat and a fever you should get tested for strep, not every case requires a trip to the ER.

What are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?

In general, if your sore throat lasts longer than a few days and is accompanied by other serious symptoms, you should seek emergency care. Some emergency symptoms of strep throat include:

  • Joint pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Inability to swallow
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Rash

Limiting Your Chances of Getting Sick

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the tonsils which is transmitted by direct contact with the mucus or sores of someone else with the illness. Whether you’re concerned with contracting strep throat, the flu, or another virus, the good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself and your family:

  • Put at least six feet of space between yourself and others.
  • Wash your hands often with warm water and soap.
  • Disinfect commonly used surfaces and objects often.
  • Eat a healthy diet to support immune health.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Get vaccinated to reduce your risks of contracting the flu or COVID-19.
  • If you do feel sick, seek treatment right away.

Strep Throat Treatment in Quality Care ER

If you are experiencing emergency signs and symptoms of strep throat, or require one of our other services, please reach out to us at (903) 417-0886 or visit our center in Paris, Texas. We serve patients in Greenville and the surrounding areas.

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