A sore throat can show up seemingly out of nowhere. Maybe your throat feels scratchy when you wake up. Maybe swallowing hurts. Or maybe your child comes home from school complaining that their throat hurts.
Especially as we head into fall in Middle Tennessee, sore throats become a common reason people look for a walk in clinic in Nashville.
But how do you know what’s causing it?
Is it strep throat? COVID-19? Fall allergies? A cold? And when should you actually get checked out?
The good news is that most sore throats aren’t serious. But if your symptoms are severe, getting worse, or you’re concerned about strep or another infection, a walk in clinic can help you figure out what’s going on.
What Causes a Sore Throat?
There are quite a few reasons your throat might hurt. Some of the most common include:
- Viral infections, including COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold
- Strep throat
- Seasonal allergies
- Postnasal drip
- Sinus infections
- Tonsillitis
- Irritation from dry air, smoke, or other environmental factors
The tricky part? Many of these conditions can look very similar at first.
That’s why it’s not always possible to tell what’s causing your sore throat just by looking at your symptoms.
Is It Strep, COVID, or Allergies?
While there’s no substitute for an evaluation when you’re concerned, there are a few symptoms that can give you some clues.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that’s particularly common in children and teenagers, although adults can get it too.
Some common symptoms of strep include:
- A sore throat that comes on quickly
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red or swollen tonsils
- White patches on the tonsils
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck
- Headache
One thing that can help distinguish strep from many viral infections is that strep usually doesn’t cause a cough or runny nose.
If your symptoms sound like strep, a provider can perform a rapid strep test to help determine whether you have the infection.
COVID-19
COVID can also cause a sore throat, and for some people, it may be one of the first symptoms they notice.
Other symptoms can include:
- Cough
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Body aches
- Changes in taste or smell
Because COVID can look a lot like other respiratory infections, testing may be recommended depending on your symptoms and situation.
Fall Allergies
If you’ve lived in Middle Tennessee for any amount of time, you know that allergy season doesn’t necessarily end when summer does.
Fall allergies can cause a sore or scratchy throat, especially when postnasal drip is irritating your throat.
You may also notice:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Clear nasal drainage
- Cough
- Postnasal drip
One big clue? Allergies generally don’t cause a fever.
If you’re dealing with an itchy throat, itchy eyes, lots of sneezing, and congestion but don’t have a fever, allergies may be the culprit.
So How Do You Know What You Have?
Sometimes, you simply can’t tell based on symptoms alone.
Strep, COVID, the flu, a cold, and allergies can all cause some combination of congestion, throat irritation, fatigue, or coughing.
That’s where an evaluation can help.
At a walk in clinic in Hendersonville or Nashville, a provider can talk with you about your symptoms, examine your throat, and determine whether testing is appropriate.
Depending on what you’re experiencing, that could include testing for:
- Strep throat
- COVID-19
- Influenza
- Other infections when appropriate
When Should You Go to a Walk In Clinic for a Sore Throat?
Not every sore throat requires a trip to the doctor. If your symptoms are mild and you’re otherwise feeling okay, you may be able to manage them at home with plenty of fluids, rest, and symptom relief.
But it’s a good idea to get evaluated if you have:
- A severe sore throat
- A sore throat that’s getting worse instead of better
- Fever
- White patches on your tonsils
- Swollen or painful lymph nodes
- Significant pain when swallowing
- Symptoms that aren’t improving
- A known exposure to strep
- Concerns about whether you need a strep, flu, or COVID test
A walk in clinic can be a convenient option when you need to be seen today but can’t get into your primary care provider.
Can a Walk In Clinic Test for Strep?
Yes.
If your symptoms are consistent with strep, a provider at a walk in clinic can examine your throat and perform a rapid strep test.
If the test is positive, your provider can discuss appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics.
If your sore throat is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help. Instead, treatment focuses on helping you feel better while your body fights off the infection.
That’s one reason it’s important not to assume that every sore throat needs an antibiotic.
How Can You Treat a Sore Throat at Home?
For a mild sore throat, a few simple things can make you more comfortable:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Get plenty of rest
- Try warm tea or broth
- Gargle with warm salt water
- Use a humidifier if the air is dry
- Consider appropriate over-the-counter medications for pain or fever
If your symptoms continue to get worse or aren’t improving, it’s time to consider getting evaluated.
Looking for a Walk In Clinic in Hendersonville or Nashville?
If you have a sore throat and aren’t sure whether it’s strep, COVID, allergies, or something else, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Complete Health Partners provides walk-in urgent care in Nashville and Hendersonville for illnesses, infections, injuries, and other non-emergency medical needs.
Our providers can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether testing or treatment is appropriate.
If you need care today, walk in or book your visit online with Complete Health Partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to a walk in clinic for a sore throat?
Yes. A walk in clinic can evaluate your sore throat and determine whether you need testing for strep, COVID-19, flu, or another infection.
Can a walk in clinic test for strep?
Yes. If your symptoms suggest strep throat, a provider can perform a rapid strep test and discuss treatment options based on your results.
How can I tell if my sore throat is strep or allergies?
Strep is more likely to cause a sudden, painful sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes white patches on the tonsils. Allergies are more likely to cause an itchy or scratchy throat along with sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and postnasal drip.
Does strep throat cause a cough?
Usually not. A cough and runny nose are more commonly associated with viral infections than strep throat.
Can allergies cause a sore throat?
Yes. Allergies can cause throat irritation, especially when mucus from postnasal drip drains down the back of your throat.
Where can I go for a sore throat in Nashville?
Our walk in clinic in Nashville or Hendersonville can be a convenient option for same-day evaluation when you’re dealing with a sore throat and aren’t sure what’s causing it. Complete Health Partners provides urgent care for illnesses, infections, and other non-emergency medical concerns.