Sore throat?
Same-day strep test & treatment
Rapid strep test in 10 minutes. If positive, antibiotic prescription sent to your pharmacy before you leave. Walk in to any of our 3 Silicon Valley locations — no appointment, no referral, no ER wait.
- Rapid strep test — results in 10 min
- Same-day antibiotic if positive
- Throat culture available if needed
- Adults & children treated
- Most insurance accepted
Same-day diagnosis & treatment — walk in anytime
Our board-certified doctors & providers get you diagnosed and treated in a single visit. No appointment, no referral, no ER wait.
How we diagnose strep throat & sore throat
At Instant Urgent Care, we specialize in treating upper respiratory illnesses and viral infections including strep throat. Our thorough exam means you leave with clarity — not guesswork.
A lighted instrument to inspect the throat, tonsils, ears, and nasal passages for redness, swelling, or white patches.
Provider feels for swollen lymph nodes in the neck — a key indicator of bacterial infection.
Stethoscope check to rule out lower respiratory involvement or complications.
Throat swab tests for streptococcal bacteria. Results in 10 minutes — 95–99% accurate.
- Strep throat requires antibiotics — viral sore throats do not
- Untreated strep can lead to rheumatic fever or kidney problems
- Strep is highly contagious — early diagnosis protects your household
- Rapid test results let us start antibiotics same visit
- If rapid test is negative, a culture confirms or rules out strep
Our on-site lab enables quick results so you get the care you need without delay.
Signs you should walk in today
Sore throats are common — but some need professional diagnosis and treatment. Here's what to look for.
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Painful, scratchy, or raw throat. Pain that worsens when swallowing or talking.
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Red, swollen tonsils with white patches or streaks — a strong sign of strep.
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Fever above 101°F, headache, body aches. Common with bacterial strep infection.
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Tender lumps in the neck or jaw area indicate your immune system is fighting infection.
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Pain or inability to swallow food, liquids, or even saliva — should be evaluated promptly.
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Sore throat that doesn't improve after a few days, or returns after initial improvement.
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Signs you should walk in today
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing — unable to swallow saliva
- Stiff neck with sore throat — may indicate serious infection
- Rash appearing alongside sore throat (possible scarlet fever)
- Unable to open your mouth fully
- Symptoms lasting more than a week without improvement
- High fever above 103°F that does not respond to medication
How to tell strep throat from a viral sore throat
The only way to know for sure is a strep test. But here are the key differences that help our providers determine next steps.
- Sudden onset — throat pain comes on quickly
- Fever above 101°F is common
- White patches or pus on tonsils
- No cough (cough usually means viral)
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes
- Requires antibiotics — won't clear on its own
- Gradual onset — builds over 1–2 days
- Cough and runny nose often present
- Hoarse voice or mild fever
- Usually resolves in 7–10 days on its own
- Antibiotics do NOT help viral infections
- Supportive care: rest, fluids, pain relievers
How to soothe a sore throat fast
While waiting to be seen or recovering at home, these steps can ease discomfort. If symptoms worsen or don't improve in 48 hours, walk in.
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Drink plenty of warm fluids — water, herbal tea, broths. Warm liquids soothe irritated throat tissue and help flush infection.
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Gargle with ½ tsp salt in 8 oz warm water. Reduces inflammation and can temporarily ease pain. Repeat every few hours.
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Acetaminophen or ibuprofen reduce pain and fever. Follow package directions. Throat lozenges can also provide temporary relief.
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A cool-mist humidifier adds moisture to dry indoor air, preventing your throat from drying out — especially at night.
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Avoid excessive talking, whispering, or shouting. Your vocal cords need rest to heal alongside the infection.
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Your immune system heals faster with rest. Sleep 8+ hours. Stay home from work or school until fever-free for 24 hours.
💡 Home remedies help with comfort — but only antibiotics treat strep throat. If your sore throat is severe or lasts more than 48 hours, walk in for a rapid test.
Other conditions we see today
Sore throat & strep — questions we hear every day
📋 What to bring to your appointment: Government-issued photo ID, vaccination records (if available), list of current medications, and any prior medical records relevant to your case. Payment is due at time of service.
No appointment needed. Walk in any time during our hours — Mon–Fri 9AM–6PM, Sat–Sun 9AM–5PM. Strep tests take 10 minutes and results are available before you leave.
Rapid strep tests are approximately 95–99% accurate. If the rapid test is negative but we still suspect strep based on your exam, we can send a throat culture for lab confirmation. Culture results return in 24–48 hours.
Yes — we treat patients of all ages including toddlers, school-age children, and adults. Strep throat is especially common in school-age children. Our providers are experienced in pediatric urgent care.
A sore throat can be caused by viral or bacterial infections. Viruses like the common cold or flu are the most common cause. Bacterial infections, particularly streptococcus (strep throat), also frequently cause sore throats. Other causes include dry air, smoke, allergens, postnasal drip, and acid reflux (GERD).
Viral sore throats typically resolve within 7–10 days without specific treatment. Bacterial infections like strep throat may last longer without treatment — and untreated strep can lead to complications. If your sore throat persists more than a week or is accompanied by a high fever, walk in to be tested.
Most sore throats are not serious and resolve on their own or with antibiotics. However, strep throat, mononucleosis, or peritonsillar abscess require medical attention. If your sore throat is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, severe fever, or a stiff neck — come in right away.
Viral sore throats often clear up on their own with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief. Bacterial sore throats (strep) require antibiotics and will not fully clear on their own — and may worsen. A rapid strep test is the only way to know for certain which you have.
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, Medi-Cal, and more. Self-pay rates are also available. Call us at (408) 687-4806 to verify your coverage.
Sore throat? Walk in —
strep results in 10 minutes.
Rapid strep testing at all 3 Silicon Valley locations. Same-day antibiotic prescription if positive. No appointment needed.
Call during clinic hours