Sore Throat and Strep Throat Treatment
Urgent care for sore throat · Palm Beach County
A sore throat can be a simple cold or it can be strep, and the only way to know for sure is a quick test. Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches runs rapid strep testing on site at our West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Palm Springs clinics, seven days a week, with results in minutes. Walk in, no appointment needed, and leave knowing exactly what you are dealing with.
Why it matters
Getting the answer matters, because strep needs an antibiotic while a viral sore throat does not. Testing keeps you from taking medication you do not need and makes sure real strep gets treated before it causes trouble.
Most sore throats are viral and clear on their own within a few days. Strep throat is bacterial, tends to come on fast with a high fever and very painful swallowing, and often skips the cough and runny nose that come with a cold. We also see sore throats from tonsillitis, post-nasal drip, acid reflux, and dry air. Your provider looks at your throat, checks for swollen glands and fever, and runs a rapid strep test when the picture fits.
Rapid strep test
How we test and treat it
The rapid strep test is a quick throat swab with results in minutes. If it is positive, we start you on an antibiotic and give you relief for the pain and fever, and you will feel better within a day or two while the medication clears the infection. If it is negative and viral, we treat the symptoms and tell you what to expect and when to check back. Treating strep also matters because an untreated case can lead to complications, so it is worth the quick test.
Your visit
What to expect at your visit
Walk in to any of our three locations and you are usually seen within about ten minutes. The strep test, the exam, and any prescription happen in the same visit, and we send prescriptions to your pharmacy. We accept most major insurance and offer fair cash pricing.
Straight talk
Urgent care, the ER, or your doctor?
A sore throat is a classic urgent care visit. It is quicker and cheaper than an emergency room and you do not need an appointment.
Go to the ER only for the serious signs below, which are uncommon but important.
Sore throat relief at home
What you can do at home
Warm salt-water gargles, honey and warm tea, throat lozenges, cold drinks, and plenty of rest all ease the soreness while you recover.
Emergency warning signs
When a sore throat needs the ER
Go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, cannot swallow your own saliva, are drooling, have a muffled voice, or the pain is severe and on one side with a high fever. These can point to a throat infection that needs emergency care.
FAQ
Sore throat questions, answered
How do I know if it is strep?
Strep tends to come on fast with a high fever, very painful swallowing, and swollen glands, usually without a cough. The only way to be sure is a rapid strep test, which we do on site in minutes.
How fast are the results?
Our rapid strep test gives results in minutes, so you leave the same visit knowing whether you need an antibiotic.
Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
Only if it is strep or another bacterial infection. Viral sore throats get better with symptom care, so we test first rather than treat blindly.
Is my sore throat contagious?
Both viral sore throats and strep can spread. Wash your hands, avoid sharing cups and utensils, and stay home while you have a fever.
Related services
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Affordable Care When You Need It Most
Walk-ins Welcome | Cash Accepted | Quick Service & Great Reviews
North Palm Beach / Palm Beach Gardens Clinic Location
11951 US Highway 1 Suite 108,
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
West Palm Beach / Palm Beach Clinic Location
5818 South Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Palm Springs / Forest Hill Blvd Clinic Location
3537 Forest Hill Boulevard,
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
