Quick answer: See urgent care for a sore throat with fever and no cough (a possible sign of strep), sinus symptoms that last more than 10 days, symptoms that get better and then worse again, or a high fever. Most sinus infections and sore throats are caused by viruses and get better on their own. Go to the ER for trouble breathing or swallowing, drooling, or a muffled voice with severe throat pain.

Sore throats and sinus congestion are among the most common reasons people visit urgent care, especially in fall and winter. The key question is usually whether you need antibiotics. Here’s how to tell.

New to PACS? Start with our complete guide to urgent care in Alexandria, VA.

Sore throat: virus or strep?

Most sore throats come from viruses, like the common cold, flu or COVID-19. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics. Strep is more likely when you have:

  • Sudden, painful sore throat
  • Fever
  • Swollen, tender glands in the neck
  • White patches or swelling on the tonsils
  • No cough or runny nose

Strep is most common in children aged 5 to 15, but adults get it too. The only way to know is a test. PACS offers a rapid strep test on site with results during your visit.

Sinus infection: when to get checked

Sinus infections (sinusitis) cause facial pain or pressure, a stuffy nose, thick nasal discharge, reduced smell and sometimes tooth pain or fever. Most follow a cold and clear up within 10 days without antibiotics.

See a provider if:

  • Symptoms last more than 10 days without improving
  • You get better, then suddenly worse again
  • You have a fever of 102°F or higher with facial pain
  • You have repeated sinus infections

What to expect at your visit

The provider will look at your throat, ears and nose, check your glands and take your temperature. They may run a rapid strep, flu or COVID-19 test. If you have a fever, our fever treatment service covers evaluation for all ages.

If it’s a virus, you’ll get advice on symptom relief. If it’s bacterial, you may get antibiotics. Learn more about when antibiotics help.

Relief at home

  • Rest and drink plenty of fluids
  • Gargle with warm salt water
  • Use saline nasal spray or rinses
  • Breathe steam from a shower or bowl of hot water
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed

When to go to the ER

  • Trouble breathing or swallowing
  • Drooling or being unable to swallow saliva
  • A muffled “hot potato” voice with severe throat pain
  • Swelling on one side of the throat or neck
  • Swelling around the eye, severe headache, stiff neck or confusion with a sinus infection

Could it be allergies?

Itchy eyes, sneezing and clear, runny nasal discharge without fever often point to allergies, which flare in Northern Virginia every spring and fall. See our guide to allergy season. Not sure if it’s a cold, the flu or COVID? Read cold, flu or COVID.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a strep test at urgent care?

At PACS, an on-site rapid strep test is $45 plus the visit charge for self-pay patients. Most insurance plans cover testing.

Do sinus infections need antibiotics?

Most don’t. Antibiotics are usually only helpful when symptoms last more than 10 days, are severe, or get worse after improving.

How long is strep throat contagious?

People with strep are usually no longer contagious after taking antibiotics for at least 12 to 24 hours and having no fever. Follow your provider’s advice and your school or work rules.

Get care today at PACS Urgent Care

PACS Urgent Care – Alexandria
3481 N Beauregard St, Alexandria, VA 22302
Open 7 days a week, 8 AM – 8 PM · Walk-ins welcome
Call (571) 656-8838 · Get directions · New patient guide

This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911.