Strep Throat Treatment Clinic in Virginia

Sore throats are usually caused by viruses, although an infection in the throat and tonsils called Group A Streptococcus (group A strep) is caused by bacteria.This infection lives in the nose and throat, easily spread to others by coughing and sneezing, creating small respiratory droplets containing bacteria. Although coughing and sneezing are the common methods of spreading the bacteria causing strep throat, there are many more ways to look out for to prevent you and your child from contracting this infection.

When you breathe in the droplets from others
When you drink from the same glass, eat from the same plate, or share any utensil used by a sick person
When you touch a surface or material contaminated by droplets of bacteria and touch your nose or mouth right after.
When you touch sores on the skin, also known as impetigo, is caused by group A strep.

It is vital to know that some infected people do not seem sick or show any signs or symptoms. Furthermore, experts believe that pets or household items, such as appliances, furniture, toys, and more, do not spread these bacteria.

Strep throat infection is commonly spread through close contact with an infected person. This can happen when the afflicted individual talks, sneezes, or coughs, and respiratory droplets carrying the germs are released into the air. If these droplets are inhaled by a non-infected person, they can become infected. Our experienced team at Nova Patient Care is fully equipped to diagnose and treat such infections promptly to prevent further spread.

The bacteria causing strep throat can also survive on various surfaces like door handles, tabletops, and other objects for extended periods. Sharing personal items with an infected person, including eating utensils, cups, toothbrushes, and even drinking glasses, can also lead to a strep throat infection. Moreover, we recommend avoiding close contact with infected individuals to further reduce the risk of acquiring this infection.

As soon as you or a loved one start showing signs of the illness, we strongly encourage you to visit our clinic. A person infected with strep throat can spread the disease for about a week from the onset of the illness, and this contagious period can extend if not treated promptly.

We typically combat this infection with a standard course of antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, for about 10 days. Once antibiotic treatment commences, the risk of spreading the infection decreases significantly after 24 hours.

Even if symptoms go away before the term of therapy is up, it is important to finish the entire prescription of antibiotics. This ensures the bacteria is entirely eradicated, minimizes the risk of complications, and reduces the likelihood of transmission to others.

We also remind our patients that some people may carry the bacteria in their throat or on their skin without showing any signs of illness, yet they can still spread it to others. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of good personal hygiene practices, like regular handwashing, to prevent the spread of strep throat. We also advise avoiding close contact with an infected person until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours.

In some cases, especially those involving mild infections or individuals with strong immune systems, the body might be able to overcome the bacteria naturally. Symptoms typically dissipate within a few days to a week. However, strep throat infections that last for less than three days might have a higher chance of self-resolution, as the immune system hasn’t had sufficient time to mount a significant response.

Despite the body’s capacity to fight off the infection, we strongly advise patients to seek medical attention if they suspect they have strep throat. Complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation (Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis) can occur, causing permanent damage to the heart, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Unattended strep throat can also evolve into scarlet fever, characterized by a rash and a strawberry tongue.

Ignoring strep throat can lead to several serious complications if left untreated. Strep throat, caused by a bacterial infection, typically requires antibiotics for proper treatment. Without them, the infection can spread to other areas of the body, leading to issues such as sinus infections, ear infections, or abscesses around the tonsils.

More concerning is the potential development of severe conditions like rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart, joints, and nervous system, or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, a condition that can damage the kidneys. Rheumatic fever can lead to long-term damage to the heart valves, a condition known as rheumatic heart disease.

Additionally, untreated strep throat can increase the risk of spreading the infection to others. Since it is highly contagious, untreated individuals can easily transmit the bacteria through coughing, sneezing, or sharing items like utensils.

Our experienced physicians are well-versed in diagnosing and treating strep throat, ensuring it doesn’t spread to other parts of the body and cause complications such as scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, bacteremia, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, etc.

At Nova Patient Care, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care. We encourage you to seek medical attention promptly. We assist you, in prioritizing your health at every step.

For more information contact us or to book an appointment online. We serve patients from Woodbridge VA, Bethel VA, Dale City VA, Old Town Alexandria VA, Huntington VA, Fort Hunt VA, Arlington VA, Mclean VA, Idylwood VA, Kingstowne Center Alexandria VA, Franconia VA, Newington VA, Falls Church VA, Annandale VA, Tysons VA, Richmond Hwy Alexandria VA, Pentagon City Arlington VA, Seven Corners VA, Lake Barcroft, VA and surrounding areas.