Strep Throat Treatment for Novato, CA, Residents

A sore throat can be uncomfortable, but when it’s accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing, it may be more than just a common cold—it could be strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, which spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or shared utensils. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.

At Medical Center of Marin in Novato, California, we provide fast, effective strep throat treatment to help you recover quickly and avoid potential complications. Our urgent care for strep throat offers on-site rapid testing and same-day treatment, so you don’t have to wait to get the relief you need.

Recognizing Strep Throat Symptoms

Strep throat shares symptoms with other illnesses, making it essential to recognize the specific signs that indicate a bacterial infection rather than a viral sore throat. Common strep throat symptoms include:

  • Severe sore throat that develops suddenly
  • Pain or difficulty swallowing
  • Swollen, red tonsils (sometimes with white patches or pus)
  • Fever of 101°F or higher
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Headache, nausea, or vomiting (especially in children)
  • Body aches or a rash

While not every sore throat is strep, symptoms that persist or worsen may indicate the need for medical evaluation and treatment.

How Strep Throat Is Diagnosed

To determine whether your sore throat is caused by strep bacteria, a doctor will:

  • Examine your throat, tonsils, and lymph nodes for signs of swelling, redness, or white patches.
  • Ask about your symptoms, including fever, difficulty swallowing, or fatigue.
  • Perform a rapid strep test, which involves swabbing the back of the throat for a sample to check for bacteria.

At Medical Center of Marin, we offer on-site rapid strep testing, providing fast, accurate results so you can begin strep throat treatment immediately. If the rapid test is inconclusive, a throat culture may be sent to a lab for further testing.

Treatment Options for Strep Throat

Once a strep throat diagnosis is confirmed, early treatment is essential to eliminate the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. Our urgent care for strep throat provides the following treatment options:

Antibiotic Therapy

  • A course of antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, is prescribed to eliminate the bacterial infection.
  • Most patients begin to feel relief within 24 to 48 hours of starting antibiotics.
  • Completing the full antibiotic course is crucial to fully clear the infection and prevent reinfection.

Symptom Relief

  • Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce throat irritation.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen help ease fever, sore throat, and headaches.
  • Antibacterial mouthwash can reduce bacteria in the throat and speed up healing.

Rest and Hydration

  • Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, and broth, helps prevent dehydration from fever and promotes recovery.
  • Getting adequate rest allows the immune system to fight the infection effectively.

With the right strep throat treatment, symptoms usually improve within a few days, but patients should remain isolated for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics to prevent spreading the infection.

When to Seek Urgent Care for Strep Throat

Most sore throats clear up on their own, but if you suspect strep throat, prompt treatment is necessary to avoid complications. You should seek urgent care for strep throat if you experience:

  • Severe throat pain and difficulty swallowing
  • High fever (above 102°F) that doesn’t subside
  • Swollen lymph nodes or difficulty breathing
  • A red rash accompanying your sore throat (possible scarlet fever)
  • Symptoms persisting for more than a week

At Medical Center of Marin in Novato, we provide immediate evaluation and treatment to help you feel better faster.

Insurance Plans Accepted at Medical Center of Marin

We understand that access to affordable healthcare is essential, which is why Medical Center of Marin accepts a variety of insurance plans, including:

  • PPO Insurance Plans
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Humana
  • ChoiceCare
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Aetna
  • HealthNet
  • Cigna
  • Interplan
  • Medicare
  • HMO Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Western Health Advantage
  • Meritage Medical Network
  • American Specialty Health
  • TRICARE West
  • Brown & Toland

If you have questions about insurance coverage for strep throat treatment, our team is happy to assist you.

Get Fast, Reliable Strep Throat Treatment in Novato, CA

If you’re experiencing strep throat symptoms, getting prompt medical care is crucial. At Medical Center of Marin in Novato, CA, we offer expert strep throat treatment, on-site rapid testing, and same-day urgent care services. Schedule an appointment online or visit our clinic today for quick, effective relief.