While we might think of the fall and winter as cold and flu season, strep throat is also common.

It can be difficult to tell whether you’re just dealing with a sore throat or whether you have strep throat, which is why our team at AFC Urgent Care Spring Hill wants to offer some insight.

How Do You Catch Strep Throat?

Strep throat is actually a very contagious infection. Someone just sneezing or coughing in your direction puts you at an increased risk of catching the illness, since the virus is spread through airborne droplets.

It is important to take steps to protect yourself, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands.

Symptoms of Strep Throat

• Pain when swallowing
• Chills
• Fever
• Malaise
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bad breath
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headache
• Sore throat

How Can You Treat a Sore Throat?

There are a few things you can do at home in order to try to soothe a sore throat. For starters, try to sip on warm liquids like broth or warm water with honey.

In addition, gargling with saltwater and using ice pops can also help to soothe a sore throat.

Other Causes of a Sore Throat

• Viral infections like the cold or flu
• Bacterial infections
• Allergies
• Dry air
• Smoke, chemicals and other irritants
• Injury
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Tumor

Do you think you might have strep throat? Visit AFC Urgent Care Spring Hill today to undergo a medical evaluation and strep test! No appointment is needed.