Find Nearest Location
ConvenientMD Urgent Care
Get Care
Get Care
Urgent Care Get quick, convenient care today.
Virtual Care Get seen and treated from home.
Primary Care Better primary care has arrived.
Employer Services For occupational health and workplace injuries.
Featured Service
Primary Care
Get the personalized care and attention your health deserves.
Youth Sports Physicals Lab Services DOT Physicals X-Rays COVID Testing and Results Flu Shots
Patient Resources
Contact Us
Pay Urgent Care Bill
Test Results
Medical Records Request
FAQs
News
School Nurse Partnership Program
Locations
Member Login
For Patients
Get Care
Get Care
Urgent Care Get quick, convenient care today.
Virtual Care Get seen and treated from home.
Primary Care Better primary care has arrived.
Employer Services For occupational health and workplace injuries.
Featured Service
Primary Care
Get the personalized care and attention your health deserves.
Youth Sports Physicals Lab Services DOT Physicals X-Rays COVID Testing and Results Flu Shots
Patient Resources
Contact Us
Pay Urgent Care Bill
Test Results
Medical Records Request
FAQs
News
School Nurse Partnership Program
Locations
Member Login
More Services

Category: Health Tips & Information

Strep Throat: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Medical Care

Posted on by ConvenientMD Urgent Care

Nurse doing a strep test on a small girl patient.

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat occurs as a result of an infection in the tonsils and throat by a bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes—also called “Group A Streptococcus.” The bacteria, which lives in the nose and throat, is easily spread from one person to another via close contact or cross-contamination of doorknobs, telephones and other objects.

Highly contagious, strep throat tends to affect children aged 5-15 more than other populations, though people of any age (including adults) can get sick from being exposed to strep bacteria.

What are the symptoms of Strep Throat?

For many people, the symptoms of strep throat come on suddenly and often out of the blue. While everyone experiences strep throat differently, common symptoms include:

  • Swollen, red tonsils
  • Fever of 101 F or higher
  • Extremely sore throat (often with fast onset)
  • Painful swallowing
  • Headache
  • White patches on the tonsils
  • Swollen glands on the neck
  • Nausea / Vomiting
  • Loss of Appetite

In rare occurrences, a rash may be experienced as a symptom of strep throat—a sign that one should seek medical attention.

What are the complications of Strep Throat?

Untreated strep can get better on it’s own, but not treating it greatly increases the risk of serious complications including ear infections, sinusitis and abscess of the tonsils. Most notably is the risk of developing rheumatic fever or inflammation of the kidneys—both of which can cause serious, lasting health problems.

  • Rheumatic Fever — Occurs when strep bacteria travels through the bloodstream and attaches to one of the heart valves.
  • Abscess — Spread of infection to the tonsils in the form of a mass called a “peritonsillar abscess” which must be treated immediately with a drainage procedure performed in a medical setting, antibiotics and at times, IV antibiotic therapy.
  • Glomerulonephritis — Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the kidneys and can occur when the immune system creates antibodies to attack strep bacteria.

Fortunately, these and other complications can be avoided with antibiotic treatment (the most common approach to treating strep throat). Symptoms should begin to fade within 48 hours of starting a course of antibiotics, and most people feel better within a week.

Is it Strep or just a sore throat?

Sore throats are common throughout the winter months and can come from a number of different sources, including viruses, exposure to certain chemicals and even overly dry air. Though they may make people feel like they have strep throat, these types of sore throats generally get better with time and are not caused by bacterial infection. The only way to know for sure whether or not a sore throat is through a rapid strep swab or throat culture, which confirms the presence of strep.

Pediatric Considerations

Keep in mind that fever associated with strep throat in children should never be treated with aspirin, as doing so may result in Reye’s syndrome—a rare disorder that causes brain and liver damage.

We’re Here to Help

At ConvenientMD, we know how miserable strep throat can make you feel and how quickly it can disrupt your day. Our providers can evaluate your symptoms, perform strep testing, and determine appropriate care during your visit.

Whether you’re dealing with a sore throat or need testing for possible strep, you can walk in without an appointment for prompt medical attention. We’re open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Common Cold vs Flu: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Care

Posted on by ConvenientMD Urgent Care

A mid-adult sick man sitting on the sofa in the living room.

Both the common cold and influenza are respiratory illnesses, which is why their symptoms often overlap. However, flu symptoms tend to be more intense and come on more suddenly, while cold symptoms are usually milder and develop gradually.

Flu Symptoms

Fever
A mild fever can happen with a cold, especially early on. However, a temperature of 102°F or higher is much more characteristic of the flu. Fever with a cold usually lasts 1–2 days, while flu-related fever often lasts longer.

Fatigue and Exhaustion
Colds may make you feel “under the weather,” but the flu often causes severe fatigue or exhaustion, making even simple activities feel overwhelming.

Aches and Pains
Body aches and headaches are mild or uncommon with colds, but full-body aches and intense headaches are classic flu symptoms.

Other Flu Symptoms May Include:

  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Nasal congestion
  • Decreased appetite
  • Tiredness

Not everyone with the flu will have a fever, but many recover within 3–13 days. Some people, especially those at higher risk, may develop complications.

Common Cold Symptoms

Sneezing
Frequent sneezing is often one of the first signs of a cold. While sneezing can occur with the flu, it’s far more common with colds or allergies.

Stuffy or Runny Nose
A congested or constantly running nose is a key cold symptom. The flu can cause nasal symptoms too, but they’re usually less pronounced.

Sore Throat
Sore throats are common with colds and can make symptoms feel worse than they actually are. While less common with the flu, a sore throat may also indicate strep throat if it persists without other cold symptoms.

Cough
Cough occurs with both illnesses, but a cold typically is a wet cough with phlegm. If your cough worsens or doesn’t improve, it’s worth getting checked.

Recovery Time
Most people recover from a cold in 7–10 days, though mild symptoms may linger a bit longer.

Treating Cold and Flu Symptoms

There’s no cure to make a cold or flu disappear overnight. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and supporting your body’s recovery:

  • Rest
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Use over-the-counter medications as directed for fever, congestion, or aches

If symptoms are severe, persistent, or interfering with daily life, medical evaluation is recommended.

How to Help Stop the Spread of Illness

Whether it’s a cold or the flu, preventing the spread protects your family, coworkers, and community.

If You’re Not Sick:

  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

If You Are Sick:

  • Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
  • Stay home whenever possible.
  • Wear a mask when visiting healthcare facilities if requested.
  • Avoid close contact with others until symptoms improve.

We’re Here to Help

If you’re unsure whether it’s a cold or the flu, or if you’re feeling worse instead of better, our team is here to help. Visit any ConvenientMD location to be seen by a knowledgeable medical provider who can assess your symptoms and guide your treatment. Open every day 8am – 8pm. No appointment needed.

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room: When to Choose ConvenientMD

Posted on by ConvenientMD Urgent Care

medical provider testing temperature of little boy

Little things, like a skinned knee, can usually be treated at home. Life-threatening conditions, like chest pain, require a trip to the emergency room (ER). For everything in between, there’s Urgent Care.

Urgent Care was created to fill this gap. Urgent Care centers provide walk-in care for acute illnesses and injuries that are time-sensitive but not life-threatening that may be beyond the scope or availability of a typical primary care office. Centers like ConvenientMD treat patients of all ages and commonly address conditions such as flu, asthma flare-ups, minor fractures, cuts requiring stitches, infections, and other everyday medical needs. This makes urgent care a practical option for unscheduled care when your primary care provider isn’t available.

A defining feature of Urgent Care is its focus on patient experience—combining medical expertise with accessibility and service. Well-managed, non-hospital-affiliated Urgent Care centers typically offer:

  • Shorter visit times compared to emergency departments for non-emergent conditions
  • Lower costs than ER visits for similar issues, often billed at rates comparable to a doctor’s office
  • Walk-in access with no appointment required
  • On-site diagnostics, including X-ray and basic laboratory testing
  • Extended hours, including evenings and weekends

Urgent care centers play a critical role in community health by delivering immediate care for acute, non-life-threatening conditions. When patients, primary care providers, emergency departments, and urgent care centers work together, the result is a coordinated system that places patients in the right setting for the right level of care at the right time.

Urgent care centers can generally provide more comprehensive, broader diagnostic capabilities and the ability to manage more complex injuries and illnesses. However, only emergency departments are equipped to treat life-threatening conditions. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe trauma, stroke symptoms, or uncontrolled bleeding should seek care at the nearest emergency department immediately.

It’s also important to note that urgent care does not replace primary care. Primary care providers remain essential for preventive care, chronic disease management, and long-term health. Urgent Care complements that relationship by treating episodic illnesses and injuries, communicating care back to primary providers, and referring patients to specialists when appropriate.

We’re Here to Help

At ConvenientMD, our mission is simple: to make high-quality medical care easier to access when you need it most. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden illness or a minor injury, our experienced medical teams are here to provide prompt, compassionate, and reliable care. Open everyday 8a – 8p.