Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. The hallmark presentation: sudden severe throat pain, fever above 101°F, swollen tender lymph nodes in the neck, and white patches on the tonsils — typically without a cough or runny nose (those suggest a virus instead).
It matters because untreated strep can occasionally cause rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, or abscesses. A 10-day antibiotic course prevents complications and makes you non-contagious within about 24 hours.
A rapid strep test at our clinic takes 5 minutes. Positive? You leave with a prescription. Kids and adults welcome, walk-in, 6 days a week.
