Sore Throat

A sore throat is characterized by pain, irritation, or scratchiness of the throat.


What is a Sore Throat?

A sore throat is characterized by pain, irritation, or scratchiness of the throat. This often worsens when you swallow and can obstruct your daily life. Pharyngitis is the most common cause of sore throats, but they also are common when you have a cold or the flu. Some bacterial infections and strep throat can be causes of this too.

Symptoms of a Sore Throat

General signs and symptoms of a sore throat are:

  • Pain that Worsens with Swallowing
  • Painful or Scratchy Throat
  • Sore, Swollen Glands
  • Swollen, Red Tonsils
  • Hoarse Voice
  • White Patches on the Tonsils
  • Trouble Swallowing

If your sore throat is caused by a virus or is the result of the cold or flu, then you do not require any medical treatment. Over-the-counter medications can help to relieve symptoms. If your sore throat is the result of a bacterial infection, then you should seek medical treatment. To get checked by a professional come into WellCare Urgent Care Center.

Strep Throat

This condition is very contagious and is caused by a bacterial infection. It causes the throat to feel scratchy and painful. The tonsils may also appear to be swollen, with pus and white patches. Along with these symptoms strep throat may also come along with a fever, headache, rash, body aches, and nausea.

Strep throat is very contagious. This can be spread through droplets in the air when someone sneezes, coughs, or even talks. It is also spread through sharing of food and drinks or touching infected surfaces. Children are at a high risk for strep throat than others. To cure strep throat medications such as antibiotics are needed.

Come into WellCare

If you have a sore throat, it is important to get checked out by a professional to make sure it’s not a bacterial infection. Visit WellCare Urgent Care Center in Grand Rapids to get professional care. Schedule a same-day appointment online at our Cascade and Leonard locations.

Should I visit Urgent Care or Emergency Room?

Urgent Care

When you have any medical condition that is non-life threatening or have general medical needs, then an Urgent Care center can take care of these. WellCare Urgent Care takes care of a variety of medical concerns such as the flu, vaccinations, physicals, allergy symptoms, and more.

WellCare Urgent care is convenient because it is quick and cost-effective.

Average visit time: 1 hour
Average cost: $150

Emergency Room

Emergency care is necessary when you are suffering from a life-threatening condition. This could be a heart attack, stroke, head injury, or other trauma that requires more advanced treatment. If you or someone you love has a life-threatening illness or injury, then you need to call 911 and get to the closest Emergency Room.

Emergency Rooms, while the best option for serious trauma, do take time and are costly.

Average Time Spent: 4.5 hours
Average Cost Per Visit: $1700

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