Strep Throat

Strep throat can come on quickly and cause significant discomfort. When you need fast, reliable care, the team at Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, is here to help. Providing care island-wide, the team can evaluate your symptoms, perform rapid strep testing onsite, and begin treatment right away. Walk-ins are welcome. You can also call or schedule an appointment online for less urgent medical concerns.

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Streptococcus bacteria. It is different from a common sore throat because it requires specific treatment with antibiotics.

Strep throat is contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or shares food and drinks.

Common symptoms of strep throat include:

• Sudden sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever
• Red and swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches)
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Headache or body aches

Not all sore throats are strep, which is why proper testing is important.

What happens during an evaluation for Strep Throat?

You can expect a thorough evaluation when you visit Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy with symptoms of a sore throat. The team reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam of your throat and lymph nodes.

If strep throat is suspected, a rapid strep test is performed onsite to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, a throat culture may also be sent to the lab for further testing.

What are the treatments for Strep Throat?

If your test confirms strep throat, the team prescribes antibiotics to treat the infection and help prevent complications.

Treatment may also include:

• Pain and fever relief medications
• Recommendations for rest and hydration
• Guidance on when it is safe to return to work or school

Most patients begin to feel better within 24–48 hours after starting antibiotics.

When should I seek care for a sore throat?

You should seek medical care if you have:

• Severe throat pain or difficulty swallowing
• A high fever
• Symptoms lasting more than a few days
• Exposure to someone with confirmed strep throat

Early treatment can help you recover faster and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

For fast and convenient strep throat testing and treatment, visit Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy today. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can call or use the online scheduler.