Should I Consider a Return to Urgent Care?
I’m a 26-year-old female with a medical history primarily marked by anxiety and depression, as well as eczema. I have no known allergies and take several medications: birth control, Prozac, phentermine (which I'm using for weight management with my doctor), Zyrtec, and hydrocortisone as needed for my eczema. Last Sunday, I woke up experiencing a debilitating headache and a general sense of weakness. My throat felt extremely sore, comparable to shards of glass, and I noticed swollen lymph nodes. Given my previous encounters with COVID-19, the symptoms felt eerily familiar, especially with a coworker recently falling ill with the virus. I decided to seek help at urgent care where I tested negative for COVID-19, the flu, and strep throat. The physician suspected I might indeed have COVID but mentioned I was likely tested too soon for an accurate result. Since then, I've taken two at-home tests, both yielding negative results. Strangely enough, I began feeling a bit better overall, yet my throat continued to ache significantly. In an effort to investigate further, I checked my tonsils (which tend to be large and cause occasional issues, although not severe enough to warrant removal). To my surprise, one of my tonsils now has white spots that were absent before today. Is it advisable for me to return to urgent care for a strep retest? Might I have simply had a false negative due to seeking treatment prematurely? Or does this indicate a more severe viral infection at play? It’s peculiar that I feel more vigorous while still experiencing a sore throat, yet my tonsil condition has deteriorated. I’m uncertain about my next steps. Appreciate any advice!
Answers (1)
7/23/2025, 1:20:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a frustrating situation with persistent throat symptoms and new findings regarding your tonsils. Given your symptoms, especially the white spots on your tonsil, it's important to weigh your options carefully.
Key Points:
- Your worsening tonsil condition and significant throat pain could indicate a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, which sometimes can lead to false negatives in initial tests.
- The improvement of your general well-being is a positive sign, but ongoing severe throat pain warrants further evaluation.
Explanation:
Your recent symptoms—throat pain, swollen lymph nodes, and now white spots on your tonsils—can arise from several causes, including viral or bacterial infections. While you tested negative for strep throat, there's a possibility that the test could have been conducted too soon for accurate results. White spots on the tonsils can sometimes indicate the presence of infection.
Next Steps:
-
Return to Urgent Care: Given the appearance of the white spots and the persistent sore throat, it would be wise to go back to urgent care for a reevaluation. Requesting a retest for strep throat or a different evaluation, such as a throat culture, can provide clarity on whether a bacterial infection is present.
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Symptom Management at Home: In the meantime, continue to manage symptoms at home:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Use throat lozenges and gargle with warm salt water to soothe throat discomfort.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and any related fever.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you notice any worsening, such as high fever, difficulty swallowing, or breathing difficulties, that would increase the urgency for seeking care.
It’s commendable that you are attentive to your health and seeking guidance. Please ensure you take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to seek medical advice again if you feel it's necessary.
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