Strep
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus leading to a sore throat and fever.
Most sore throats are caused by a virus, however, they are not strep throat. Sometimes a strep test is necessary to tell if the sore throat is caused by strep bacteria so that you can be treated appropriately.
About 3 out of every 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat. It is common in school-age children.
Transmission
Group A Streptococcus bacteria are very contagious. Generally, people spread the bacteria to others through respiratory droplets and/or direct contact.
Strep throat can spread to others until 12-24 hours after you begin taking antibiotics. During this time, avoid contact with other people at work, school, or home, especially infants and children. Do not sneeze or cough on others, and wash your hands often.
What are the symptoms?
Typical symptoms take two to five days for someone exposed to group A strep to become ill with strep throat. It is hard to tell the difference between strep throat and a sore throat caused by a virus.
Look for these symptoms:
- Severe throat pain and/or pain with swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Redness, or white patches in the back of the throat
Features that are suggestive of a viral cause include cough, runny nose, hoarseness, pink eye.
Think it might be strep?
Don’t wait – get a quick strep test and fast relief at Getuwell’s urgent care in Metro Atlanta. Our walk-in clinics provide same-day evaluation and treatment to help you feel better, faster.
Visit Getuwell today for trusted care and rapid strep testing.
What is Urgent Care?
Urgent care bridges the gap between primary care and the emergency room. It’s designed for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that require immediate attention — faster than waiting for a regular appointment, and without the high costs of the ER.
At our clinic, urgent care means same-day access to medical providers, on-site testing, and fast treatment so you can get relief and return to your daily life.
Our urgent care services cover a wide range of common medical needs, including:
- Cold, flu, and COVID-19 testing and treatment
- Sore throats, strep, and sinus infections
- Cough, bronchitis, and RSV evaluation
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Ear infections and eye conditions (including pink eye)
- Minor cuts, burns, and skin infections
- Muscle strains, sprains, and minor injuries
- Headaches and migraines
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach issues
- Same-day lab testing and medication refills for urgent needs
Walk in anytime — no appointment is required.
Urgent care is best when you need quick medical attention for issues that are uncomfortable, painful, or concerning — but not life-threatening.
Examples include:
- Fever, cough, or flu symptoms
- Ear pain or sore throat
- Minor allergic reactions
- Small cuts or burns
- Sprains or strains
- Painful urination or suspected UTI
- Rashes, skin infections, or insect bites
Some symptoms require emergency care. Call 911 or go directly to the ER if you experience:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain
- Head injuries or loss of consciousness
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
- Severe allergic reaction (trouble breathing, swelling of face/throat)
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- Suspected stroke or heart attack
- Convenience: Walk in anytime, no appointment needed
- Speed: Short wait times compared to the ER
- Affordability: Lower costs than hospital emergency care
- Comprehensive care: On-site testing and treatment for a wide range of urgent conditions
- Personalized attention: Our providers take time to understand your needs and guide your recovery
Site Locations
Sandy Springs
369 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs, GA, 30328Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sat-Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Peachtree Corners
3020 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Norcross, GA 30071Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PMSat-Sun: Closed
Johns Creek
10475 Medlock Bridge Rd. Building 800, STE 820, Johns Creek, GA 30097Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
Make sure to contact your doctor and notify them of your health condition
Call 9-1-1 anytime if you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have severe trouble breathing
- You have constant chest pain or pressure
- You are severely dizzy or lightheaded
- You are confused or can’t think clearly
- You have pale, gray, or blue-colored skin or lips
- You pass out or are very hard to wake up
- You have weakness or drooping on one side of the face
- You have weakness or numbness in an arm or a leg
- You have a severe headache
- You have a seizure