Sore throat with fever? Urgent Care Center of Westmont offers rapid strep testing and throat cultures at our Westmont, IL clinic, with a clear treatment plan for children, teens and adults. Same-day walk-in visits, no appointment needed.
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.
Key facts
A rapid strep test uses a quick throat swab; a throat culture is more accurate but takes longer, per MedlinePlus.
In children and teens, a negative rapid test is often followed by a throat culture, because untreated strep can lead to rheumatic fever.
Once on the right antibiotic, people are much less likely to spread strep after about 12 to 24 hours, according to Cleveland Clinic.
You can get strep throat more than once; having it does not give lasting protection.
Strep Throat Symptoms
The CDC lists these common symptoms:
Sore throat that can start very quickly
Pain when swallowing
Fever
Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
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.
How We Test and Treat Strep at Our Westmont, IL Clinic
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.
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.
Cost, Insurance and Self-Pay
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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.
What happens during a strep test
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No special prepYou do not need to fast or do anything special before a strep test.
Open wideYou tilt your head back and open your mouth. The clinician gently holds your tongue down with a tongue depressor.
Quick swabA swab brushes the back of the throat and tonsils. It may make you gag for a second, but it carries no real risk.
Rapid testThe swab is checked for strep A. If the rapid test is negative but strep is still likely, especially in a child, a second swab may be sent for a throat culture.
PlanYour clinician explains the result and the next steps for you or your child.
How is strep different from a regular sore throat?
Most sore throats are caused by viruses. Strep is caused by bacteria and needs a test to confirm.
Can adults get strep throat?
Yes, though it is less common in adults than in school-age children.
Is strep contagious?
Yes. Close contact with a sick person is the most common risk factor. Stay home until your clinician says it is safe to return.
What can strep lead to if not treated?
The CDC lists possible complications such as abscesses near the tonsils, ear and sinus infections, rheumatic fever and a kidney condition.
How long is strep contagious after starting antibiotics?
Cleveland Clinic says people are much less likely to spread strep about 12 to 24 hours after starting the right antibiotic. Without treatment, a person can keep spreading it while infected. Read more in how long strep throat is contagious.
Can a rapid strep test be wrong?
Yes. A rapid test can miss some infections. MedlinePlus explains that a throat culture is more accurate, so if a child or teen has a negative rapid test but strep is still suspected, a culture is often sent to confirm. A positive rapid test does not need a culture.
Can you have strep throat without a fever?
Yes. Fever is common with strep, but not everyone has one. A sudden, painful sore throat with swollen tonsils and no cough is worth testing even without a fever.
Can you get strep throat twice?
Yes. Having strep once does not give lasting protection, so you or your child can get it again. Each new sore throat with strep-like symptoms should be tested.
“My daughter has a fever and sore throat . They were efficient and professional great service they took care of her right away and now she feels a lot better thank you guys”
mohammed h. · November 2024 · Google★★★★★
“We were in and out really fast. They diagnosed my grand daughter fast and we were on our way to jewel Osco for meds. Very clean and friendly”
Lisa M. · June 2024 · Google★★★★★
“Great, efficient care from intake through visit with MD. Very clean and safe. Nice job.”
