Rapid Strep Test in Orlando, FL
Do you feel like your throat is on fire? Is it painful to swallow? You could have a highly contagious bacterial infection known as Streptococcus pyogenes – more commonly referred to as strep throat. The only way to know for sure is to be tested. At Optimum Direct Care, a membership-based direct primary care (DPC) practice in Orlando, Florida, our board-certified family practice physician, Dr. Toni “Muzzi” Muzzonigro, can perform a rapid strep test onsite and have your result ready within minutes.
When to Be Tested for Strep Throat
The symptoms of strep throat can develop very suddenly and are usually much more severe than those associated with a common sore throat. Along with extreme throat pain and difficulty swallowing, a strep infection can cause:
- Inflamed tonsils
- Tiny red spots at the back of your mouth
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes in your neck
- Body aches
- Fever and chills
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
In addition to strep, most of these symptoms can have other causes, such as a viral infection. Because bacterial (strep) infections and viral infections require different treatment approaches, it is essential to confirm the cause of your symptoms with a rapid strep test prior to beginning any treatment.
To perform a rapid strep test, Dr. Muzzi will gently swab the back of your throat, then evaluate the swab in our onsite clinical lab for evidence of strep antigens, which are produced by the body’s immune system in response to the strep bacteria. A positive rapid strep test means that you have strep throat.
How Is Strep Throat Treated?
Based on a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and the outcome of your rapid strep test, Dr. Muzzi can diagnose your condition and recommend appropriate treatment to help you feel better. If you do have strep throat, Dr. Muzzi may prescribe an antibiotic to help destroy the bacteria that are causing your infection, reduce your discomfort, and prevent complications, such as rheumatic fever. Because we dispense free generic prescription medications through our office formulary, you can begin your antibiotic treatment without delay. Some other things you can do to feel better include getting plenty of rest, staying well-hydrated, gargling with warm salt water, and eating cool, soft foods to avoid irritating your throat.
If you have a sore throat and would like to receive a rapid strep test, contact Optimum Direct Care in Orlando, FL. And, if you’re not yet a member of our DPC practice, inquire about a membership today.