Strep Test and Sore Throat Care in Charlotte
Walk in for a rapid strep test at our Steele Creek and Plaza Midwood clinics in Charlotte, open 7 days. Rapid results are usually ready in 10-15 minutes, and if it’s strep, the provider can send antibiotics to your pharmacy before you leave. We’re in-network with most NC Medicaid plans. Copays for covered visits are usually $0 or $4. Check your plan’s benefits and network. Self-pay visits start at $140; tests and treatments cost extra.
- ✓ Rapid strep test from a quick throat swab
- ✓ Rapid mono antibody test from a finger stick
- ✓ Backup throat culture after a negative rapid antigen test for symptomatic children age 3 and older
- ✓ Add flu and COVID tests in the same visit
- ✓ In-network with most NC Medicaid plans; check your coverage
Save my spotInsurance we accept
¿Le duele la garganta? Venga sin cita. Con Medicaid de Carolina del Norte, los copagos de las visitas cubiertas suelen ser de $0 o $4. Confirme la cobertura y el costo con su plan.
On this page
Strep testThroat cultureMono testWhat’s causing itStrep, flu and COVID togetherMedicaid coverageWhen it’s an emergency
Sore throat tests we do
| Test | How it’s done | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid strep test | Quick throat swab | 10-15 minutes |
| Mono test | Antibody test from a finger stick | 10-15 minutes |
| Throat culture | Throat swab sent to a lab | A few days |
| Flu and COVID tests | Quick nasal swab | 10-15 minutes |
Is it strep or a virus?
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better on their own in about a week. Strep throat is caused by bacteria and needs antibiotics. Here’s what usually causes a sore throat.
| Cause | Typical signs | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Cold or other virus | Sore throat with a cough, runny nose or hoarse voice | Rest, fluids and pain relief |
| Flu or COVID | Sore throat with fever, body aches and cough | A rapid test, and antivirals when they’re right for you |
| Strep throat | Sudden, very sore throat and fever, usually no cough | Antibiotics |
| Mono | Severe sore throat, swollen tonsils and extreme tiredness for weeks | Rest, fluids and pain relief |
| Tonsillitis | Red, swollen tonsils. It can be caused by a virus or by strep. | Evaluation and strep testing when appropriate |
| Allergies or postnasal drip | Scratchy throat, sneezing, itchy eyes, no fever | Allergy medicine |
Strep test in Charlotte
A rapid strep test checks for group A strep, the bacteria that causes strep throat. A quick throat swab usually gives results in 10-15 minutes. If it’s positive, the provider can send antibiotics to your pharmacy the same visit.
Common strep throat symptoms
- Sore throat that starts suddenly
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen, tender glands in the front of the neck
- Headache, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, especially in kids
- A red, sandpaper-like rash, called scarlet fever
A cough, runny nose or hoarse voice usually points to a virus, not strep.
When to get a strep test
- A sore throat with fever and no cough
- A sore throat after being around someone with strep
- Your child has a sore throat with fever, stomach pain or a rash. Strep is most common in kids ages 5-15.
- A sore throat that’s severe or not getting better
Possible strep complications
Strep needs antibiotics. Without treatment, it can lead to:
- An abscess (pocket of pus) near the tonsils
- Ear and sinus infections
- Scarlet fever
- Rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart, joints and brain
- Kidney inflammation
Strep treatment
After your exam, the provider sends antibiotics to your pharmacy, based on your symptoms and test results. Take the full course, even after you feel better. Most people feel better within 1-2 days. Return to work or school when fever-free and after at least 12-24 hours of appropriate antibiotics, following your provider’s advice and school or workplace rules. Steroids are not routine strep treatment; your provider weighs benefits and risks in selected cases.
Negative strep test, but still a sore throat?
A rapid antigen strep test can miss strep. Symptomatic children age 3 and older should have a backup throat culture after a negative rapid antigen result. Adults do not usually need a backup culture. A culture takes a few days; your provider will explain follow-up. A negative rapid test does not prove a viral cause.
- The swab is the same quick throat swab
- You get your results once the lab is done
- If the culture shows strep, you’ll need antibiotics
Mono test in Charlotte
Mono (mononucleosis) is most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It’s most common in teens and young adults and spreads through saliva, which is why it’s called the kissing disease. When appropriate, a rapid mono test checks for heterophile antibodies using a finger-stick blood sample, with rapid results usually available in 10-15 minutes; timing varies by test. It does not confirm EBV infection and can give false-positive or false-negative results, especially early in illness or in young children. Your provider may recommend EBV-specific antibody testing or other evaluation.
Common mono symptoms
- Extreme tiredness that can last for weeks
- Fever
- Sore throat, often severe
- Swollen tonsils
- Swollen glands in the neck and armpits
- Headache and body aches
- Sometimes a rash
When to get a mono test
- A sore throat, fever and tiredness that last more than a week
- A negative strep test, but your throat isn’t getting better
- Swollen neck glands with extreme tiredness
- A rapid mono test may be negative early in illness; your provider may recommend follow-up or EBV-specific antibody testing
Possible mono complications
- A swollen spleen. Avoid athletic activity for the first 3 weeks after symptoms begin. Resume gradually only when you feel well and your provider advises it. Avoid contact sports and heavy lifting until cleared; restrictions may last longer.
- Rarely, a burst spleen. Call 911 for sudden, sharp pain in the upper left belly.
- Tonsils swelling enough to make breathing or swallowing hard
- Liver inflammation
Mono treatment
Rest, fluids and medicine for pain and fever. Antibiotics don’t treat mono. Steroids are not recommended for uncomplicated mono. They may be considered for serious complications such as threatened airway obstruction, which needs urgent medical evaluation. Most people feel better in 2-4 weeks, but tiredness can last longer.
When to test for strep, flu and COVID together
A sore throat with fever can be strep, flu or COVID. When the signs overlap, the provider can test for all three in one visit, with rapid results usually available in 10-15 minutes; timing varies by test.
| Your symptoms | Tests that may help |
|---|---|
| Sore throat and fever, no cough | Strep first. Flu and COVID too in flu season. |
| Sore throat with cough, body aches or chills | Flu and COVID, plus strep if your throat is very sore |
| Sore throat and fever after being around someone sick | The test for what they had, plus the others if symptoms overlap |
| Sore throat and extreme tiredness for over a week | Mono, plus strep |
Read about rapid flu, COVID and RSV testing, antivirals and breathing treatments.
When can I go back to work or school?
| Illness | Usually back when |
|---|---|
| Strep throat | Fever-free and at least 12-24 hours on appropriate antibiotics; follow provider and school/workplace guidance |
| Mono | You feel well enough for school or work. No athletic activity for the first 3 weeks; follow provider guidance for returning to exercise and sports. |
| Flu or COVID | Fever-free for 24 hours without fever medicine, and symptoms are improving overall. Take added precautions around others for the next 5 days. |
Need a note for work or school? The provider can write one at your visit, based on your illness.
NC Medicaid coverage for strep testing
We’re in-network with most NC Medicaid plans. Copays for covered visits are usually $0 or $4. Check your plan’s benefits and network.
- Copay: your plan may require a copay, typically due at your visit. The amount depends on your plan.
- Deductible or coinsurance: your cost depends on your benefits and covered services; you may receive a bill after your insurer processes the claim.
- NC Medicaid plans: copays for covered visits are usually $0 or $4. Check your plan.
Self-pay prices
These are discounted prices for patients who don’t have insurance or choose not to use it. Visits start at $140. Tests and treatments you need are added to that.
See all the plans we take on our insurance page.
Easing a sore throat at home
- Gargle with warm salt water
- Drink plenty of fluids, like warm tea or cold water
- Honey in warm water or tea, but never for babies under 1 year
- Throat lozenges for older kids and adults
- Over-the-counter pain or fever medicine, following the label
- Rest your voice and use a humidifier
Come in if your sore throat comes with a fever, lasts more than a few days, or makes it hard to swallow.
Sore throat: urgent care or the ER?
- Sore throat with fever
- White patches on your tonsils
- Swollen glands in your neck
- A sore throat that lasts more than a few days
- Sore throat with a rash
- Trouble breathing
- Drooling or can’t swallow your own saliva
- Can’t open your mouth fully, or a muffled voice
- Swelling in your neck or one side of your throat
- A stiff neck with fever
- Anything you think is life-threatening
What to expect at your visit
What to bring
- A photo ID
- Your insurance or Medicaid card
- A list of your medicines
Related services
Flu, COVID and RSV testingUrgent careInsurance we accept
Further reading: CDC guidance on strep throat and CDC information on EBV testing.
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