Severe Sore Throat: Strep, a Virus, or Something Else?

“It looks like strep.”

Maybe.

A painful, red throat—especially one accompanied by fever—can make strep throat seem like the obvious explanation.

But not every severe sore throat is strep, and appearance alone doesn't always identify what's causing an infection.

That matters because the appropriate treatment can depend on the cause.

Why guessing can be a problem

A severe sore throat can accompany several different illnesses.

Depending on the clinical situation, symptoms may include:

• Significant throat pain
• Pain with swallowing
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Cough or congestion
• Decreased appetite

Rather than assuming the cause, your physician can evaluate the entire clinical picture and determine whether testing is appropriate.

PCR testing can provide more information

Memorial Heights Emergency Center has the BIOFIRE SPOTFIRE Respiratory/Sore Throat PCR system available on site.

The sore-throat menu can detect multiple viral and bacterial targets, including Group A Strep (Streptococcus pyogenes) and Group C/G strep, along with several respiratory viruses and atypical bacteria. Results are available in approximately 15 minutes.

That's considerably more information than simply asking:

“Does this look like strep?”

For a closer look at the platform itself, read our BIOFIRE® SPOTFIRE® testing overview — the technology authority page behind these answers.

Worried About the Cost? Don't Let That Keep You From Getting Care.

If you're sick or concerned about your symptoms, don't let an expensive copay keep you from seeking the care you need.

At Memorial Heights Emergency Center, we're going to take care of you regardless. Under our patient-friendly billing policy, we do not collect a copay at the time of your visit. We'll work with your insurance company on your claim and help navigate the billing process with the goal of keeping your financial responsibility as manageable as possible.

Your health comes first. Come in, let us take care of you, and let's focus on getting you better.

Insurance benefits, coverage and patient financial responsibility vary by health plan and services provided. Memorial Heights Emergency Center is an out-of-network freestanding emergency medical care facility. Please see our Insurance Information page for complete billing disclosures.

Knowing more can help guide treatment

Antibiotics don't treat viral infections.

Rapid multiplex PCR testing can provide physicians with additional diagnostic information that may help inform treatment and antimicrobial decisions. bioMérieux specifically identifies supporting clinical decision-making and antimicrobial stewardship as potential benefits of the SPOTFIRE platform.

But testing is only part of the evaluation.

A severe sore throat accompanied by difficulty breathing, inability to swallow, drooling, significant neck swelling, dehydration or rapidly worsening symptoms can require more extensive emergency evaluation.

Your throat hurts. The question is why.

Instead of assuming “it's probably strep” or “it's probably viral,” let a medical professional evaluate your symptoms and determine the appropriate testing.

MHEHC is open 24/7, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Don't Guess. Get Answers.

Sick? Don't guess. Get answers. Advanced PCR testing. Results in about 15 minutes. Emergency physicians. 24/7.

Check In Online — no appointment needed. Walk in any time.