Strep throat is an infection that we’re all well-aware of. It remains highly treatable and it doesn’t usually cause any serious complications if it’s treated quickly and correctly.

Our AFC Urgent Care Boulder team shares some further info on strep throat below, so keep reading!

What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. It can be spread through the air or by coming in contact with strep bacteria.

If you experience any of the symptoms that we’ve listed below alongside your sore throat, it’s possible that you have strep throat, and you should visit our AFC center within 48 hours to get the necessary treatment.

Common Strep Throat Symptoms

• A sudden fever, especially if it’s 101˚F or higher
• A sore, red throat with white patches
• A headache
• Chills
• A loss of appetite
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Trouble swallowing

How Serious Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat isn’t generally a large cause for concern. Since it’s a bacterial infection, antibiotics are necessary to totally get rid of the infection and to keep it from spreading throughout the body. If antibiotics aren’t used, it increases the chances of serious symptoms popping up.

Be wary of the potential complications inadequate treatment could cause. We’ve listed them below.

Complications Caused By Untreated Strep Throat

• Rheumatic fever—an autoimmune disease that may develop after a strep throat infection. It’s especially common among children ages 5–15, although older teens and adults may develop the disease.
• Otitis media—when strep throat bacteria move into the inner ear and cause an ear infection. Bacteria in the inner ear can cause severe pain, dizziness and nausea.
• Meningitis—occurs when the fluid surrounding the membranes of the brain and spinal cord become infected. In rare cases, meningitis can be fatal.
• Pneumonia—when the bacteria that cause strep throat move into the lungs.
• Toxic shock syndrome—in rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream. If the bacteria release toxins in multiple organs while in the bloodstream, it causes toxic shock syndrome, which can result in catastrophic organ failure.

Need a strep test? Visit our AFC Urgent Care Boulder location today!