Strep throat is a throat infection caused by group A strep bacteria. It often starts suddenly with a sore throat, pain when swallowing and fever. Urgent Care Center of Westmont, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, tests for strep with a rapid strep test and, when needed, a throat culture. Our team is led by board-certified physicians.
A test is the only way to know if a sore throat is strep. Walk in or check in online at our Westmont, IL clinic to get tested.
The CDC lists these common symptoms:
Headache, stomach pain, nausea or a rash can also occur, especially in children. Strep throat is most common in children ages 5 to 15 and is rare in children under 3. A cough, runny nose, hoarseness or pink eye point more toward a virus.
Your clinician asks about symptoms and looks at your throat. If strep is possible, we swab the back of the throat for a rapid strep test. MedlinePlus notes a rapid test can miss some cases, so a throat culture may be sent to confirm.
If strep is confirmed, your clinician explains a treatment plan to help you recover and lower the chance of spreading it or developing complications. We also cover pain and fever comfort measures and when it is OK to return to school or work. MedlinePlus advises staying home until treatment has been under way for at least a day. Call us if you are not improving within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment.
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for:
Families visit us for sore throat care from Downers Grove, IL, Darien, IL, Hinsdale, IL, Willowbrook, IL and La Grange, IL. Downers Grove is about 1.8 miles west of our Cass Ave clinic (straight-line). Both Westmont, IL locations welcome walk-ins Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM and Sat–Sun 9 AM–5 PM.
We accept most major insurance, including BCBS Advocate Good Samaritan (HMO), BCBS Medicaid Community, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare and CountyCare. Please call (630) 324-6825 to confirm coverage. Visit our cost and insurance page for the full list. Our self-pay options use flat, upfront pricing, with general visits from $125.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses. Strep is caused by bacteria and needs a test to confirm.
Yes, though it is less common in adults than in school-age children.
Yes. Close contact with a sick person is the most common risk factor. Stay home until your clinician says it is safe to return.
The CDC lists possible complications such as abscesses near the tonsils, ear and sinus infections, rheumatic fever and a kidney condition.
Sources: CDC: About Strep Throat, MedlinePlus: Strep Throat.
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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