A sore throat that hurts every time you swallow can stop your day. At our walk-in urgent care clinics in Baytown and Crosby, we check sore throats and test for strep throat with a rapid throat swab that gives results in minutes, so treatment can start right away. We also test for mono. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are available but not required.
Do I need a strep test for a sore throat?
You may need a strep test if your sore throat came on suddenly and is severe, with fever, red and swollen tonsils, white patches or tender glands in the neck. A sore throat with fever and white patches may point to strep. A rapid strep test uses a quick throat swab and gives results in minutes.
Strep throat or a regular sore throat?
Most sore throats come from cold and flu viruses. Dry indoor air, allergens like dust, mold and pet dander, acid reflux and straining your voice can also leave your throat raw and scratchy.
Strep throat is different. It is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Common signs include a sudden, severe sore throat that makes eating and drinking hard, red and swollen tonsils that sometimes have white patches or streaks of pus, painful swallowing, a fever over 101°F, tender swollen glands in the neck, and headache or body aches.
Mono can also cause a sore throat, often milder than strep, along with severe tiredness that can last for weeks, swollen glands in the neck and armpits and a fever that comes and goes. Because these illnesses overlap, a quick test is the best way to know which one you have.
Sore throat care at Urgentcare MDs
Rapid strep testing
A quick throat swab with results in minutes. If needed, a culture may be sent to the lab to confirm the result and guide the choice of antibiotic.
Mono testing
A rapid blood test checks for antibodies that point to mononucleosis. Learn more in our guide to strep and mono.
Antibiotics for strep
Strep throat is treated with antibiotics, and many people feel much better within 24 to 48 hours. Take the full course, even if you feel better quickly.
Viral sore throats
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections and should not be used for a mild sore throat. We can also test for the flu and COVID-19, which can cause a sore throat too.
Kids and school
Strep and mono spread easily in crowded classrooms. We give follow-up instructions, referrals if complications come up and advice on managing schoolwork while your child recovers.
Ears and sinuses
A sore throat often comes with other cold symptoms. We also treat ear infections and sinus infections.
What happens at your visit
A sore throat visit is quick and simple.
- Walk in or book ahead. Walk in to either clinic, or request an appointment if you prefer a set time.
- History and exam. We take a detailed medical history, examine your throat and lymph nodes and check your vital signs.
- Rapid testing. A rapid strep test uses a throat swab and gives results in minutes. If mono is a concern, a rapid blood test checks for antibodies.
- Treatment and follow-up. If it is strep, treatment may include antibiotics. Prescriptions are sent electronically, and there is a pharmacy in the building that is operated independently. You leave with follow-up instructions.
Why patients choose Urgentcare MDs
- ✓Walk-ins welcome. Appointments are available but not required.
- ✓ER-experienced physicians. Our clinics are staffed by physicians with emergency room experience.
- ✓On-site lab testing. With more advanced tests sent to an adjacent clinical lab when needed.
- ✓Open 7 days a week. Evenings and weekends, to fit busy lives.
- ✓Most major insurance accepted. Urgent care usually costs less than the ER and has shorter waits.
Strep throat vs. mono
Both spread more during the school year, when children are in close contact, and both can cause a sore throat and swollen glands. Here is how they differ.
| Strep throat | Mono | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes) | A virus |
| Sore throat | Sudden and severe | Often milder than strep |
| Other signs | Red, swollen tonsils, white patches, fever over 101°F, tender neck glands | Severe fatigue lasting weeks, swollen glands in the neck and armpits, fever that comes and goes |
| Test | Rapid strep test with a throat swab | Rapid blood test for antibodies |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, taken for the full course | Rest, fluids and good nutrition; antibiotics do not treat mono |
| If left untreated | Can lead to a throat abscess, rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation | Can lead to long-lasting fatigue and possible spleen problems |
When to go to the ER instead
Urgent care is for minor, non-life-threatening illness. Go to the nearest emergency room for:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- A fever with seizures or unresponsiveness
- Loss of consciousness
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. See ER or urgent care?
Visit Our Baytown and Crosby Clinics
Walk in at either Urgentcare MDs clinic, open 7 days a week. We also welcome patients from nearby communities, including Mont Belvieu, Highlands, La Porte, Cove, Huffman, Barrett and Sheldon.
Baytown Urgent Care
1658 West Baker Rd
Baytown, TX 77521
Phone: (281) 428-0000
Mon to Fri: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sat and Sun: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Crosby Urgent Care
14405 FM 2100, Ste. B
Crosby, TX 77532
Phone: (832) 821-9780
Mon to Fri: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sat and Sun: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sore throat and strep FAQs
Where can I get a strep test in Baytown or Crosby?
Walk in to Urgentcare MDs in Baytown or Crosby for a rapid strep test. We swab the throat and have results in minutes. Appointments are available but not required, and we are open 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends, so you can be seen when your throat starts hurting.
Do you take insurance for strep tests and sore throat visits?
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans, though some services depend on your insurance, so call the clinic if you have a question about coverage. For a sore throat or strep, urgent care usually costs less than the emergency room and has shorter waits.
How long does a strep test take?
A rapid strep test gives results in minutes. We use a quick throat swab. In some cases, a throat culture may also be sent to the lab to confirm the result and help choose the right antibiotic, so we may follow up with you after your visit.
How fast will I feel better with antibiotics for strep?
With antibiotics, strep symptoms usually improve within 24 to 48 hours, and full recovery typically takes about a week. Finish the whole course even if you feel better quickly. Completing it also helps lower the risk of antibiotic resistance in the community.
Can antibiotics treat a viral sore throat or mono?
No. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, and mono is caused by a virus. Mono care focuses on rest, fluids and good nutrition. Using antibiotics you do not need can lead to antibiotic resistance, which is why testing for strep matters.
When should I see a doctor for a sore throat?
See a doctor if a sore throat lasts more than a week or comes with a fever or trouble swallowing. Come in promptly for a high fever that does not come down with fever-reducing medicine, difficulty swallowing or extreme fatigue. Untreated strep can lead to problems like a throat abscess.
How can I soothe a sore throat at home?
Drink plenty of fluids, especially warm ones. Hot tea or warm water with honey may help, and a saltwater gargle can soothe the throat. Throat lozenges ease dryness, a clean humidifier adds moisture to dry air, and resting your voice helps. Visit us if it is not getting better.
Should my child stay home from school with strep or mono?
Let the school know, since your child may need to stay home until fully recovered. Keep them drinking fluids, encourage plenty of rest and quiet activities, and watch their fever, throat pain and energy. We can also give advice on managing schoolwork during recovery.
Sore throat? Get tested today.
Walk in to our Baytown or Crosby clinic for a rapid strep test and sore throat care. Appointments are available but not required.