Both strep throat and covid can cause a sore throat, headache, and abdominal pain. It is important to be tested for both strep throat and COVID so that you can be treated appropriately.

We are happy to order a covid test for you, which will be done at any local Quest patient service center or another location of your choice.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. In general, strep throat is a mild infection, but it can be very painful. The most common strep symptoms include:

• Sore throat that can start very quickly
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever
• Red and swollen tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Abdominal pain

Our doctors can administer strep throat treatment with antibiotics. Either penicillin or amoxicillin are recommended as a first choice for people who are not allergic to penicillin. Some benefits of antibiotics are:

• Decreasing how long someone is sick
• Decreasing symptoms (feeling better)
• Preventing the bacteria from spreading to others
• Preventing serious complications like rheumatic fever

Someone who tests positive for strep throat but has no symptoms (called a “carrier”) may not need antibiotics. Talk to one of our doctors if you think you or your child may be a strep carrier.

If you’re an adult, you don’t need a strep test to receive antibiotics. Children are required to have a strep test before receiving antibiotics from a doctor.

Strep throat is caused by an infection with a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A Streptococcus. These bacteria are contagious, and can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks. You can also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose, mouth or eyes.

People with strep throat should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they:

• No longer have a fever

AND

• Have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours

Take the prescription exactly as the doctor says to. Don’t stop taking the medicine, even if you or your child feel better, unless the doctor says to stop.

To prevent passing strep infection to others:

• Wash your hands. Proper hand-washing is the best way to prevent all kinds of infections. That’s why it’s important to wash your own hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your mouth. Teach your children to cover their mouths with an elbow or tissue when they cough or sneeze.
• Don’t share personal items. Don’t share drinking glasses or eating utensils. Wash dishes in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.