We’ve all been there—waking up with a scratchy, painful throat and wondering if it’s just a common cold or something more serious like strep throat. While many sore throats are mild and clear up on their own, strep throat is a bacterial infection that needs medical attention. So how do you know the difference, and more importantly, when to get tested?
Common Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat
A regular sore throat usually comes with symptoms like a runny nose, cough, or hoarseness. It’s often caused by viruses, which means antibiotics won’t help. On the other hand, strep throat tends to hit harder and faster, with symptoms such as:
- Sudden and severe throat pain
- Pain when swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
- Fever over 101°F
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Headache or stomach pain (especially in kids)
If your sore throat is paired with any of these signs and doesn’t improve in a day or two, it might be time to think about when to get tested for strep.
Why Getting Tested Matters
Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria and requires antibiotics to prevent complications like rheumatic fever or kidney issues. That’s why early detection and treatment are key. At NovaHealth Urgent Care, we offer rapid strep testing with results in minutes—so you’re not left guessing or suffering longer than you have to.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you or your child has had a sore throat for more than 48 hours, especially with a high fever or without cold symptoms, it’s a smart idea to visit urgent care. Knowing when to get tested can help you get the right treatment faster and reduce the risk of spreading it to others.
We’re Here to Help
At NovaHealth Urgent Care, we make it easy to get the care you need—no appointments necessary. Whether it’s a minor sore throat or a more serious infection, our experienced providers are ready to help you feel better, faster.
Don’t ignore your symptoms. If you’re not sure what’s going on, stop by and let us help you figure out if it’s just a sore throat or something more.
This post was written by a professional at NovaHealth Urgent Care of Southfield. At NovaHealth Urgent Care of Southfield, our mission is to make patients feel valued and well cared for. We provide convenient, quality, and care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Our certified providers offer best-in-class urgent care oak park mi in clean, modern facilities. Located at W 10 Mile Rd. & Beech Rd., we are open 365 days a year: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, and weekends, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. NovaHealth proudly serves Southfield City, Southfield, Farmington Hills, Franklin, Beverly Hills, Farmington, Detroit, and more. Whether you need treatment for a minor injury, illness, or routine health service, we are here to help. Connect with us today!
