Diagnosing & Treating Strep Throat Online

Strep throat is the more commonly known term for group A streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat is one of the most common conditions doctors on TelaCare treat. Doctors can help determine if you have strep throat and if treatment is needed, or if a referral to a specialist is required.

Our platform has an image upload feature that is extremely helpful for both providers and patients. You can take and upload a picture of your throat, helping our physicians can get a precise, detailed look before the visit even begins. 

During a video consult on TelaCare your doctor will ask you a series of targeted questions to determine if your symptoms point to strep throat. Then your provider will proceed to determine the best treatment plan for you. Your provider may recommend in-person examination by a specialist if this is needed. Your treatment plan is based on the duration and severity of your symptoms and your medical history. Along with these questions, the doctor may ask you to take your temperature, shine a light on the back of your throat, touch the lymph nodes in your neck and report what you feel.

Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will go over the risks and benefits of the various treatment plans. Depending on the cause and severity of the infection, your treatment plan may include:

• Antibiotics - if they are a part of your treatment plan, they can:
  • Relieve a sore throat
  • Make it less likely that it will spread to others
  • Help prevent complications
• Until the antibiotics start to work, some home remedies include:
  
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Rest
  • Gargling
  • Lozenges and hard candy
  • Fluids

Note: To assess the severity of your infection the doctor may ask for your temperature, if possible it would be best to take your temperature before starting the call.