Most people are familiar with strep throat, but did you know that this common infection can actually lead to other infections? It’s true, your strep throat could quickly become a bigger problem if it isn’t treated quickly! Strep throat is most commonly seen in young children, but it can affect people of all ages. Now it’s time to answer the big question – how can one bacterial infection turn into something else?!
Understanding Strep Throat
Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection. Strep throat is spread through molecules in the air, surfaces, and person to person contact. Strep throat thrives in areas where lots of people are in one space and it spreads very quickly. Symptoms of strep throat include:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Body aches
- White or red patches along the back of your throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Strep throat cannot heal on its own, it requires prescription antibiotics to clear the infection. Home remedies including warm liquids and over the counter pain medications can help relieve some of your symptoms until the infection clears.
Other Bacterial Infections
If strep throat is left untreated for too long, it can cause other bacterial infections in surrounding areas. One of the most common types of bacterial infections that occur as a result of strep throat is a sinus infection. Sinus infections cause a painful inflammation of your sinus cavities causing headaches, fatigue, and more. Sinus infections can lead to ear infections and before you know it, you’ll be miserable all around! When you seek treatment for strep throat, be sure to tell them about any other symptoms you’re having because they could be a sign of another bacterial infection lurking inside.
How to Get Treated
If you notice symptoms of strep throat, it’s important to get checked out right away. Visit your local urgent care center to receive quick and affordable testing and treatment for strep throat and other bacterial infections. It’s best to treat your strep throat before it turns into another bacterial infection like sinusitis, but even if you’re past that point, our team of experienced staff can help get you feeling like new again!
Any treatment you receive for strep throat or other bacterial infections should be taken as directed, even if you start to feel your symptoms go away. Reduce your risk of contracting strep throat this year by practicing good hand hygiene and encourage those around you to do the same!