Should I go to urgent care for a sore throat? That depends on the severity, frequency, and some specific symptoms. In many cases a sore throat is not that serious, but an urgent care can give you the treatment you need rather than waiting for a doctor’s appointment. Let’s explain in more detail.
Allergies: A Year Round Nuisance
It can be difficult to pinpoint the source of a sore throat. In the fall or spring it could be from environmental and airborne allergies. That is a relatively easy fix with an over-the-counter decongestant or other remedy. You can differentiate it from anything serious by its symptoms.
Allergens like pet dander and pollen can initiate a sore throat, runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing. Most folks that suffer with regular allergies know the symptoms, and the sore throat is not serious.
Sore Throat Caused By A Virus
Especially during the winter, we all become susceptible to colds and the flu. A sore throat will present with a number of other symptoms like runny nose, fatigue, and a cough.
The flu will also be accompanied by a fever and the chills.
Bacterial Infection Causing A Sore Throat
Both the flu and the common cold can develop into strep throat, a serious bacterial infection that needs an antibiotic.
The symptoms of strep throat include the following:
- A sudden and severe sore throat
- Painful to swallow
- Fever and chills
- Pus on tonsils
- Headache
- Rash
Strep throat needs a swab test to determine the problem is bacterial.
When To Seek Care At Right Choice Urgent Care In Cypress, TX
Not all cases of sore throat are serious enough to need immediate care. Many can be handled by over-the-counter medications and other at-home remedies.
When certain symptoms occur or you are unable to find relief from at-home treatments, go to the nearest urgent care. No need to wait for an appointment with your primary care physician or visit the emergency room!
If the pain is so severe you can’t sleep, talk, or even eat, if you have a fever over 101, if your glands are swollen, and you have difficulty turning your head, don’t wait to get medical care. Joint swelling is another concerning symptom.
Get immediate care for a child with any of the above symptoms plus excessive saliva.
If it is a weekend or evening, go to the nearest urgent care for immediate treatment instead of waiting to see your doctor, pediatrician, or waiting in an emergency room.
Visit Right Choice Urgent Care for any serious sore throat symptoms or other severe health issues.
