GET STREP THROAT TREATMENT ONLINE
Feel better with medication prescribed remotely. Just $49 for your first month of unlimited chats or $73 for a one-time visit. No appointment, no insurance required.
HOW IT WORKS
Strep throat medication online
Check your symptoms
Our smart Symptom Checker gets you information quickly. It’s powered by data from millions of people and thousands of doctors who know the signs of strep.
Text with a doctor
Text with medical providers whenever, from wherever—no appointment needed*. Bypass hold music, travel time, and waiting rooms.
Get same-day relief
Get your meds right away, so you can get on with your day. If your symptoms don’t get better, clinicians are always just a text away.
*Available for adults 18+ in all 48 continental US states. Not available in Alaska or Hawaii.
K Health memberships are not insurance and exclude ancillary services (e.g., labs, equipment, cost of medication, etc). Medical care is provided by K Health’s affiliated professional corporations. See Terms of Service.
The benefits of getting treatment with K Health
Instant info
Our smart Symptom Checker brings together data from millions of People Like You to provide you with information–for free.
Care when you need it
Doctors are available 24/7 via text—no appointment or insurance necessary.
Same-day relief
Get medication ASAP and get on with your day. If your symptoms don’t improve, we’re always a text away.
No wasted time
Get the treatment you need without changing your plans. You won’t miss waiting at an urgent care.
LEARN MORE
Strep Throat FAQs
What is strep throat?
Sore throat is a common symptom, especially with viral infections like colds and flu. It’s an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, also called group A strep.
In addition to sore throat, strep throat can cause several uncomfortable symptoms. Luckily, strep throat is treatable. Antibiotics prescribed by a licensed medical provider can prevent the strep bacteria from growing and relieve symptoms of strep throat.
If untreated, strep throat can lead to medical complications. It’s important to consult with a medical professional who can diagnose and treat your symptoms if you think you may have strep throat.
What are the symptoms of strep throat?
Strep throat usually comes on suddenly. In addition to throat and tonsil pain, strep throat can cause:
- Pain when swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils
- White patches or pus in the back of the mouth
- Small red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Rash
- Nausea and vomiting, especially in children
Your medical provider can diagnose you based on your symptoms and a strep throat test. If positive, antibiotic treatment can help your body fight off the infection.
What causes strep throat?
Most sore throats are caused by viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19. However, strep throat is caused by group A streptococcal bacteria—not a virus.
Strep throat is an infectious disease, and it’s very contagious. It’s commonly spread through respiratory droplets. For example, if an infected person coughs or sneezes near you, it’s possible to become infected with strep. You can also get strep by sharing food or drinks with an infected person, touching an infected surface, or touching your face after exposure. Good hygiene and regular hand washing can help reduce your risk of infection.
Strep Throat Treatment
Because it’s a bacterial infection, strep throat requires antibiotics to stop bacteria from growing. If your medical provider diagnoses you with strep throat, they will recommend and prescribe the best antibiotic or other treatment for you.
Typically, people with strep throat take antibiotics for 7-10 days. It can take a few days for antibiotics to improve symptoms. If you still feel sick after taking antibiotics for 48 hours, or your symptoms worsen, see a medical provider immediately.
Is strep throat contagious?
Group A strep bacteria are highly contagious. They typically spread through respiratory droplets, like other respiratory illnesses. You can get strep throat from an infected person who coughs or sneezes near you or from sharing food or drink with someone who has strep.
Strep throat also spreads through surface contact. You can pick up strep bacteria by touching a surface and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
If you know someone with strep throat, do your best to stay away from them while they are sick. Likewise, stay home if you are sick to avoid infecting others.
What is the best antibiotic for strep throat?
Antibiotics can help reduce symptoms and decrease the risk of medical complications caused by strep throat. The provider who diagnoses you with strep throat will determine the antibiotic likely to be safest and most effective for you.
Commonly, medical providers prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin antibiotics to treat strep throat. Some patients are allergic to penicillin antibiotics. In that case, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends non-penicillin antibiotics such as cephalexin, clindamycin, and azithromycin.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions, regardless of which antibiotic you’re prescribed for strep throat. Finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping too early may cause your strep throat symptoms to come back or contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Can an online doctor treat strep throat?
Seeing an online provider is a convenient way to get medical care without leaving home. A licensed medical provider can diagnose strep throat based on your medical history and symptoms. In some cases, an online doctor may refer you to an in-person provider who can test you for strep or examine you for other illnesses.
Can an online doctor prescribe medication for strep throat?
Any licensed medical provider, including an online doctor, can prescribe medication for strep throat. You can pick up your strep throat prescription at a local pharmacy or ask your doctor to send the prescription to an online pharmacy for home delivery. Ordering prescriptions online can be a convenient way to get your medication and may help cut medical costs.
Home Remedies for Strep Throat
Strep throat can be uncomfortable. Until your antibiotics resolve the infection, your provider may recommend home remedies to ease symptoms and soothe discomfort.
Common home remedies for strep throat include:
- Taking an anti-inflammatory or pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Drinking plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist
- Eating food that’s easy to swallow, such as soup, apple sauce, and oatmeal
- Gargling with salt water
- Sucking on throat lozenges
- Drinking herbal tea
- Using a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer
- Swallowing honey either alone or mixed with tea
While you have a sore throat, avoid anything that could cause further irritation. Try not to eat spicy or acidic food, and stay away from irritating fumes like smoke.
How can I prevent strep throat?
Strep throat can spread from one person to another, but you can also take steps to prevent an infection. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching your face.
If you live with someone who has strep throat, avoid close contact if possible. Don’t share food, plates, or utensils with an infected person. Likewise, avoid sharing blankets, pillows, or towels.
If you have strep throat, do your best to practice physical distancing and mask when you’re around other people. Keep your utensils and bedding separate from the people you live with. When you’re feeling better, wash your bedding and towels and replace your toothbrush. Bacteria can live on toothbrushes, which may result in re-infection.
Can you get strep throat without tonsils?
You can get infected with strep throat, even if you’ve had your tonsils surgically removed. However, your symptoms may be less severe if you do not have tonsils and the infection only affects your throat. Either way, seek medical care if you suspect you have strep throat. Your doctor will likely recommend treatment to prevent complications and help ease your symptoms.
How long is strep throat contagious after starting medication?
Along with reducing symptoms, antibiotics prevent the spread of strep throat from one person to another. Your symptoms should resolve a few days after starting antibiotics for strep throat. You are also no longer likely to spread your infection after your symptoms are gone. On the other hand, strep throat can be contagious for weeks if left untreated.
How long does strep throat last?
Strep throat, while common, can be very painful. It generally resolves on its own within 7-10 days. If left untreated, strep can last longer or result in medical complications. If you take medication for strep throat, your symptoms will probably go away within a few days.
If you think you have strep throat, it’s important to see a medical provider who can diagnose and treat you. This will reduce your chances of developing complications and help you recover faster.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I get a prescription online through the K Health app?
Yes! If a clinician practicing on the K Health Platform decides you need a prescription, they’ll send it to your local pharmacy, or we may be able to mail it to your door.
What’s included in the K Health membership?
Our K Health membership includes nearly everything K Health offers:
- Unlimited text-based visits with licensed medical providers
- 24/7 Urgent Care without an appointment
- Flexible appointments for chronic condition management
- Easy prescription management and renewals
- Treatment for anxiety and depression, including medication shipped to your door (medication cost not included)
- As always, no insurance needed, all on your own schedule
*24/7 Urgent Care is available in 48 states of the US. Not available in Alaska or Hawaii.
K Health memberships are not insurance and do not include any ancillary services, (e.g.) laboratory tests, durable medical equipment, appointments with other providers or specialists that we may refer you to, emergency or in-person urgent care facility visits; cost of medication and other referrals. Medical care is provided by K Health’s affiliated professional corporations. See Terms of Service.
How much does K Health cost?
If you want to chat with a medical provider, you can purchase a membership for just $49 for the first month, which gives you access to:
- Unlimited text-based visits with licensed medical providers
- 24/7 Urgent Care without an appointment
- Flexible appointments for chronic condition management
- Easy prescription management and renewals
- Treatment for anxiety and depression, including medication shipped to your door (medication cost not included)
- As always, no insurance needed, all on your own schedule
After your first month, you’ll automatically be enrolled in a quarterly plan (which is $147 each time). You’re free to cancel until 1 day before your membership renewal date.
If you prefer, you can instead pay for a one-time virtual visit, which costs $73 and includes 1 week of follow-up chats. You can also download the K Health app and use our smart Symptom Checker for free.
*24/7 Urgent Care is available in 48 states of the US. Not available in Alaska or Hawaii.
K Health memberships are not insurance and do not include any ancillary services, (e.g.) laboratory tests, durable medical equipment, appointments with other providers or specialists that we may refer you to, emergency or in-person urgent care facility visits; cost of medication and other referrals. Medical care is provided by K Health’s affiliated professional corporations. See Terms of Service.
Do you need insurance to use K Health?
Nope!
We’ve created efficient ways to bring the cost of healthcare way down and make quality care accessible to everyone, without needing to use health insurance.
You can sign up for our K Health membership which includes access to our Primary Care program, 24/7 Urgent Care visits, treatment for anxiety and depression, and more,* or you can pay for a one-time virtual visit. Plus, our Symptom Checker is always free to use.
Learn more about our approach to pricing
*24/7 Urgent Care is available in 48 states of the US. Not available in Alaska or Hawaii.
K Health memberships are not insurance and do not include any ancillary services, (e.g.) laboratory tests, durable medical equipment, appointments with other providers or specialists that we may refer you to, emergency or in-person urgent care facility visits; cost of medication and other referrals. Medical care is provided by K Health’s affiliated professional corporations.
See Terms of Service.
Can I use my insurance to pay for K Health?
With the exception of certain Surest and Elevance Health plans, we don’t accept insurance to pay for K Health memberships, one-time Urgent Care virtual visits, or mail-order medication, but we keep our prices low to keep medical care accessible to everyone. In many cases, our prices are lower than your insurance copay would have been!
If your medical provider prescribes you medication to pick up at your local pharmacy or orders bloodwork to a lab of your choice, you can use your insurance at those locations.
Are there any conditions that K Health doesn’t treat?
K Health-affiliated medical providers can diagnose and treat most things you might see an in-person primary care doctor for. However, there are sometimes instances when we recommend you see a doctor in person.
For example, ear infections and strep throat are two common conditions that require an in-person consultation for diagnosis. However, K Health-affiliated providers can help assess severity and provide guidance on what to do next.
We also don’t treat anyone who:
- is under 18 years old
- lives in Hawaii or Alaska
- has a medical condition that requires a specialist (on a case by case basis)
- is currently pregnant
- is currently being treated for cancer with chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- has an autoimmune disease
- is currently on immunosuppressants
- is diagnosed with AIDS
- is currently in hospice care
- has a history of organ transplant
- is dependent on oxygen
- has significant liver, kidney, or other organ failure
- is seeking medical management related to worker’s comp or injury litigation
We don’t prescribe controlled substances, and we cannot prescribe other high-risk medications that are subject to abuse. Learn more in our Medical Policies.
*24/7 Urgent Care is available in all 48 continental US states. Not available in Alaska or Hawaii. K Health memberships are not insurance and exclude ancillary services (e.g., referrals, labs, equipment, cost of medication, etc). Medical care is provided by K Health’s affiliated professional corporations. See Terms of Service.
Is the data I share with K Health private?
Yes!
The K Health app is governed by HIPAA, and we apply high-security standards to protect your personal information and your privacy. K Health is also compliant with the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”). We will use your data only to improve our services and to provide them to you. You can learn more in our Privacy Policy.
Do you provide doctor’s notes and sick notes?
During a visit, K Health-affiliated medical providers can only provide a note stating the date when they saw you and that care was provided.
Can I really chat with a doctor whenever I want to?
Yes! Licensed clinicians are available 24/7 via the K Health app for Urgent Care needs in all 48 continental US states. Not available in Alaska or Hawaii.