Sore Throat
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One Stop Family Clinic
Family Practice & Walk-In Clinic located in Murfreesboro, TN
Board Certified Nurse Practitioners Emily Jones, Brianna Stevens, & Audrey Gale of One Stop Family Clinic in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, have remedied countless sore throats for adults and children throughout Murfreesboro and its neighboring communities in Rutherford County.
Sore Throat Q & A
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is a common and highly contagious infection caused by “streptococcal bacteria.” This bacteria causes swelling and inflammation of the mucous membranes that cover the back of the throat and tonsils. It is most prevalent in school-aged children and teenagers, between ages 5 and 15. Strep accounts for an estimated 15% to 40% of sore throat cases in the United States annually.
What are symptoms of strep throat?
The most common symptoms of strep are:
- Painful swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with pus
- Red spots on at the back of the roof of the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
Similar symptoms can be experienced with sore throats caused by viruses, that are not strep. Only a strep test can confirm a diagnosis.
How is strep throat caught?
Streptococcal bacteria are extremely contagious. It spreads through airborne droplets that are transmitted when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread through sharing drinks and food or by touching an infected surface, such as a doorknob or handrail, and then touching your face. Strep throat can occur at any time but it usually circulates in late fall and early spring.
Are antibiotics always prescribed for a sore throat?
No. Antibiotics will not help if a sore throat is caused by a virus rather than a bacterial infection. The most common type of sore throat caused by a bacterial infection is strep throat. Emily, Bri, & Audrey test for strep. Patients who test positive are prescribed antibiotics, which usually work quite quickly in wiping out the infection.
What are other causes of sore throats?
Sore throats can be caused by viruses, allergies, and other bacterial infections. Exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke can also cause throat soreness, especially in young children.
Words from our patients
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"I took my son in at the last minute and Emily got us right in and took great care of him! She is very knowledgable and great with kids! "
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"She stayed late and took wonderful care of my sick little boy, and the Mills Family even kept the pharmacy open late to make sure he got the meds he needed."
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"You aren't just quantity here, at this family office you are treated and respected as family, as well as given an ultimate level of care."
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"Just want to say again that I appreciate her being so kind and patient with me. I don't know what I would've done without this small family clinic yesterday!"
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"Always so friendly and helpful, wonderful staff!"
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"Thorough and time efficient they know what they’re doing."
