Strep throat is rarer than you think, with only 13,000 documented cases in the United States every year. However, it’s still a possibility. Strep comes from infectious bacteria that inflame the throat and tonsils, leading to severe pain and symptoms of infection, like a high fever. This is when you should make a run to get strep throat testing in Palm Harbor.

Because of its reputation, most people with a severe sore throat will conclude that they may have strep throat. This is why it’s a good idea to get tested for the bacteria instead of leaving it up to chance. Most of the time, a severe sore throat will be caused by a virus and accompanied by sinus pressure and a runny nose. However, strep makes it difficult to eat, drink, or swallow, and you’ll have white patches on your tongue and tonsils.

What Could Happen if Strep Throat Goes Untreated?

Strep throat isn’t fatal on its own. However, if left untreated, the bacteria could lead to a greater infection that spreads through your body. This could result in rheumatic fever, which would significantly increase your risk of dying from the infection.

When is Strep Throat Most Common and in Who?

Like any other CDC documented disease or illness, Strep throat has a set of disease trends that tell us what we need to know about who is most at risk for infections.

Here’s what we know:

• Strep bacteria are most common in the winter and springtime.
• The bacteria are common in children and teenagers, ages 5 to 15, but no one is immune.
• There are various kinds of step infections, but strep A and strep B are most prevalent. Strep B is more dangerous with possibilities for lung infections, meningitis, and sepsis, if left untreated.

If you think you may have strep throat, come by Polmed Primary Care & Walk-In Clinic for strep throat testing in Palm Harbor. You can also give us a call at (727) 339-2054 for more information or to schedule an appointment.