Are you experiencing a sore throat? If so, it’s a common symptom during the early spring months.

But how can you be sure that your sore throat isn’t a sign of something more serious? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road has the answers you’re looking for, so keep reading!

What Causes a Sore Throat?

Sore throats are most commonly caused by allergens, like dust or pollen, viral infections and bacterial infections.

If you aren’t sure of the cause of your sore throat, however, there are are many common causes. We’ve listed them below.

Common Causes of Sore Throat

• Colds, the flu and other viral infections
• Strep throat and other bacterial infections
• Seasonal allergies
• Dry air
• Smoke, chemicals and other irritants
• A throat Injury
• Acid reflux and/or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

How Can I Know If I Have Strep Throat?

Although a sore throat is one of the most common and first symptoms of strep throat, a cough is a more telling sign. If you experience a sore throat along with a cough, you likely don’t have strep throat.

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 your doctor within 48 hours to get the necessary treatment. If your doctor does, indeed, believe you have strep, he or she will likely perform a rapid strep test to confirm his or her diagnosis.

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

Strep throat is a common infection, but it can turn severe if not taken care of in a timely manner! If you are feeling under the weather and believe you have strep, don’t wait to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road to get the care you need.