Where to Test for Strep Throat in Minneapolis?

One day you’re feeling fine, working in the office, chatting with friends. The next day you wake up, and your throat feels like it’s on fire. You feel miserable, and though you know you should go get tested for strep throat, leaving the house is the last thing you want to do.

 

When you have strep throat, you want to curl up in bed, drink tea, and recover. 

 

If you call your doctor’s office, you’re likely to find out they don’t have availability until next week. But you also don’t want to sit in an uncomfortable urgent care for two hours. There has to be another way!

 

If you suspect you have strep throat in Minneapolis, come to GatherWell for testing. We offer contactless, drive-thru services so that you can know if you have strep throat within 24 hours. We also work with licensed doctors to prescribe you the necessary medication ASAP.

 

GatherWell is the most convenient way to test for strep throat in Minneapolis.

 

Why Get Tested for Strep Throat?

If you suspect you have strep throat, you should get tested as soon as possible. Strep is caused by bacteria, and this bacteria can be easily treated with antibiotics. 

 

In most cases of sore throat, your body fights off a viral infection. Viruses don’t respond to antibiotics, which is why most colds can only be beaten with lots of rest, fluids, and cold medicine to reduce symptoms. There’s not much medication you can take to kill the virus itself.

 

But, the sooner you test for strep throat, the sooner you can get antibiotics. 

 

Not only does testing lead to faster treatment, it also keeps others safe. Strep throat is highly contagious. Unfortunately, many people will dismiss strep as just another sore throat. They may still go to work or attend community events. However, a person with a case of strep throat can remain contagious for up to three weeks after showing symptoms. 

 

After 24 hours being on antibiotics, you will no longer be contagious. That’s why you want to get tested for strep throat in Minneapolis.

 

What Causes Strep Throat?

Strep throat occurs when the throat and tonsils are infected by A Streptococcus (GAS), a type of highly-contagious bacteria. These bacteria enter the body when you come into contact with someone else who has the disease. Coughs and sneezes can easily spread bacteria. Sharing food and speaking face-to-face with someone can also lead to the spread of strep throat. If someone you know is complaining of strep throat, avoid close contact if possible. 

 

Remember to always wash your hands and encourage children to wash their hands, since strep occurs most commonly in children.

 

What are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?

Strep can often be identified by the white mucus that builds up in the back of the throat. The infection also comes with fever, swelling of the throat, swelling of the lymph nodes, and headache. 

 

If you or a child are experiencing a fever over 103 degrees, please seek immediate medical attention at a hospital. 

 

Possible complications resulting from strep throat include ear infections, pneumonia, abscesses around the tonsils, and rheumatic fever. All bacterial infections have the potential to spread and cause serious medical complications. Therefore, it’s important to test for strep throat and diagnose all infections correctly.

 

Where Can I Get Tested for Strep in Minneapolis?

GatherWell has multiple locations throughout the Twin Cities metroplex. You may set up a strep throat test in Ham Lake, Edina, Elk River, and North Branch. 

 

Our process is simple! Head to the “Book an appointment” button at the top of our website. There, you’ll be able to choose your preferred services. Scroll down the page until you find our strep throat testing option, select your time, and then show up for your drive-thru test. 

 

Because we have lab diagnostic tools on-site, your test results should be available in under 30 minutes. 

 

Don’t wait to test yourself or your child for strep throat. Beat your symptoms fast with our easy, local testing and prescription services. That way you can get back to your yoga class and get your kid back to hockey practice. 

At GatherWell, we help you show up for the things that matter most.

 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for more information about strep throat testing in Minneapolis.