Should I Go to Urgent Care For a Sore Throat?

Sore throats can be caused by various medical conditions such as a common cold, allergens, or other bacterial infections such as strep throat. Urgent cares offer treatment for a sore throat.

With Mira, you can get access to urgent care visits so that you can address issues such as a sore throat. Additionally, with Mira, you can receive access to up to 80% off on various prescriptions, lab testings, and other virtual healthcare services. Sign up today.

Going To An Urgent Care For a Sore Throat

Going to urgent care for a sore throat can be an efficient way to obtain medical advice, as they are great intermediates between emergency rooms and doctors’ offices. Additionally, you typically do not need an appointment to visit urgent care, which is beneficial for those who prefer a walk-in facility or need care on short notice.

At urgent care facilities, they will be able to assess your sore throat and perform tests to rule out strep throat. After evaluating you, they will also provide necessary medications and treatment plans.

Symptoms that indicate you should go to urgent care for a sore throat include:

• Your sore throat persists
• Your symptoms worsen
• You have a high fever that persists
• You have difficulty swallowing

Going To Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) For a Sore Throat

If you have a sore throat that has persisted for an extended period, visiting your PCP may be the right move. If a sore throat lingers, it could indicate a more severe issue. Thus, it may be most beneficial to contact your PCP and schedule an appointment, as they are the individual who can best assess you and your past medical history.

At your PCP visit, they will also be able to evaluate, test, and provide a treatment plan to better your sore throat.

Going To An Emergency Room For a Sore Throat

In situations where more severe symptoms accompany your sore throat, seeking medical care at an emergency room is critical. 

Some of these symptoms may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing up blood
• Inability to open mouth all the way
• Significant swelling of the throat

Additionally, if you are immunocompromised, going to the emergency room for a sore throat that persists may be your best option. Those with conditions such as HIV, cancer, or a recent transplant, must take extra care when they come down with cold symptoms such as a sore throat.

Sore Throat Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Take a look at some commonly asked questions and answers we have composed below regarding seeking medical care for a sore throat.

What causes a sore throat?

There is a variety of factors that can trigger a sore throat. Such factors include allergies, breathing from the mouth, mono, strep throat, tonsillitis, gonorrhea, or pollution from the outdoors. 

What are some at-home remedies to treat a sore throat?

You can try to combat your sore throat at home. Some of these at-home remedies include taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen, throat lozenges, using a humidifier, or gargling with warm saltwater.

When should I seek medical help for my sore throat?

If your sore throat worsens or does not get better after two to three days, it is probably best that you seek medical care.  Additionally, it may be time to locate medical care if you develop new symptoms such as a fever, joint pain, or a rash. Remedies at home will not be sufficient to combat more significant medical conditions such as strep throat or other bacterial infections.

Bottom Line

Sore throats can be painful medical conditions that can indicate more severe issues. If you are looking to get treatment quickly and at potentially unusual hours, you should consider seeking medical care at local urgent care. They can test, diagnose, and prescribe necessary medications at these facilities.

With Mira, you can obtain access to these urgent care visits and up to 80% off various prescriptions for just $45 per month. Additionally, you can also access lab testings and other virtual healthcare services at this low cost. Sign up today.