How Urgent Care Can Treat Strep Throat Fast
When a sore throat turns severe, getting quick treatment matters. At Columbia Urgent Care, Dr. Jonathan Morris and his team offer fast, accurate care for strep throat—without the long wait times of traditional clinics.
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that can come on quickly, often leaving patients with pain when swallowing, a fever, and swollen lymph nodes. For busy individuals and families in Columbia, MO, knowing where to turn for fast relief is critical.
Dr. Jonathan Morris, a board-certified internal medicine physician and founder of Columbia Urgent Care, explains:
“Strep throat is highly contagious, and early diagnosis means quicker recovery. Our goal is to test, diagnose, and start treatment in one visit—usually in under an hour.”
What Causes Strep Throat?
Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It spreads through airborne droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. You may also catch it by touching a surface contaminated with the bacteria and then touching your mouth or nose.
While strep throat can affect people of all ages, it's especially common in children and teens. That’s why same-day testing and antibiotic treatment—like what Columbia Urgent Care offers—is so important.
How Is It Diagnosed?
A rapid strep test takes just minutes to complete. At Columbia Urgent Care, the team performs a throat swab and can usually provide results while you’re still in the exam room. If the test is positive, antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin are often prescribed.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, “Prompt antibiotic treatment of group A streptococcal pharyngitis shortens the duration of symptoms, reduces the spread to others, and prevents rare complications such as rheumatic fever.” (JAMA, 2016)
Why Choose Urgent Care Over the ER or Your PCP?
In Columbia, many residents still head to the emergency room for sore throats. But unless you're experiencing severe complications, urgent care is often the better choice:
Faster access: No appointment necessary
Lower cost: Avoids expensive ER fees
Same-day prescriptions: Get started on antibiotics right away
Weekend & evening hours: Perfect for families and working professionals
Columbia Urgent Care is conveniently located on Providence Road, just minutes from downtown and the University of Missouri campus. Walk-ins are always welcome, and patients can typically be seen within 30 minutes.
What If It’s Not Strep?
Not all sore throats are strep. Viral infections like colds or the flu can also cause throat pain. That’s why it’s essential to get tested—especially if your symptoms include white patches on the tonsils, fever over 100.4°F, or tender neck glands.
Dr. Morris and his team use both rapid tests and clinical judgment to determine the right diagnosis. If it turns out not to be strep, you’ll still receive care recommendations and support for symptom relief.
If you're in Columbia and dealing with a sore, scratchy, or painful throat, don’t wait it out. Walk in today to Columbia Urgent Care and feel better fast.
📍 Columbia Urgent Care
619-621 N Providence Rd #4355, Columbia MO 65203
📞 (573) 234-1070
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