Why Would I Need Mobile Sore Throat and Strep Throat Care?

A sore throat is pain or irritation of your throat. Swallowing can make it feel worse. The most common cause of a sore throat, or pharyngitis, is a viral infection, like a cold or the flu. A sore throat from a virus will go away on its own.

Strep throat, or streptococcal infection, is a less common version of sore throat. Bacteria cause it. Strep throat needs treatment with antibiotics.

For many, a sore throat is a minor irritation, but for some it can become serious. This is especially so for older patients, those with weakened immune systems, or those who are living in a close-contact environment such as a nursing home or rehab center. For those, a sore throat can be symptomatic of something more serious.

When Should You See a Doctor

Get immediate care for a child who has severe symptoms such as:

Trouble breathing.
Not being able to swallow.
Unusual drooling, which may be from not being able to swallow.

If you are an adult, see a healthcare professional for a sore throat and any of the following problems. This advice is from the American Academy of Otolaryngology:

Have had a bad sore throat for over a week.
Not being able to swallow.
Trouble breathing.
Trouble opening your mouth.
Joint pain.
Earache.
Rash.
Fever higher than 101 F.
Bloody mucus.
Repeated sore throats.
A lump in your neck.
Hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks.
Swelling in your neck or face.

Who Benefits Most from Mobile Sore and Strep Throat Care?

Some patients can benefit from mobile sore throat and strep throat care. These include:

If you are a senior in a nursing home or assisted living.
You have limited mobility and are unable to easily travel to clinics.
Children or adults in group living environments where infections spread quickly.
If you are immunocompromised and face a greater risk of complications.
You are recovering from surgery or illness and require close monitoring.

Mobile Care can Prevent Hospitalizations and Complications

Hospital visits for sore throats are rare, but for more vulnerable patients, they can be a real concern. This is accelerated if the infections are untreated. Abscesses, systemic infections, and airway compromise are all potential risks if treatment is delayed.

Mobile sore throat and strep throat care helps to reduce risks and complications by providing early detection, fast treatment, and proper follow-up care.

Mobile care not only improves your outcomes but also reduces costs and unnecessary trips to the hospital.

Sore Throat and Strep Throat Risk Factors

Anyone can get a sore throat. But some factors make it more likely to get one, including:

Being around tobacco smoke- Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate the throat.
Allergies- If you have seasonal allergies or other allergic reactions, you are more likely to get a sore throat.
Being around chemicals- Tiny bits in the air from burning fossil fuels and common household cleaners, and other chemicals can cause throat irritation.
Having sinus infections often- Mucus running down your throat from your nose can irritate your throat or spread infection.
Being near other people- Viral and bacterial infections spread easily anywhere people get together, such as childcare centers, classrooms, offices, arenas, and airplanes.
Weak immune system- If you have a weakened immune system, you are more likely to get any kind of infection than other people. Common causes of a weak immune system include HIV, diabetes, treatment with steroids or chemotherapy medicines, stress, fatigue, and poor diet.