Flu & Strep

The flu and strep throat are infections that affect the respiratory system. Though symptoms vary from mild to severe, these infections can cause severe, sometimes life-threatening symptoms that may require emergency care. The team of board-certified emergency room physicians at St. Michael's Elite Hospital in Sugar Land, Texas, provides emergency flu and strep throat care without the traditional hospital emergency room wait. For expedited emergency care, call or walk into the facility; no appointment is needed. 

What is the flu?

The flu is a common infection caused by the influenza family of viruses. The virus spreads from person to person after someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks, spreading tiny droplets into the air. 

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus (group A strep) that affects the throat and tonsils. These bacteria are highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets expelled into the air after someone with strep throat coughs or sneezes.

When should I seek emergency care for the flu and strep?

Most people with the flu treat their symptoms at home. But you should seek emergency care at St. Michael's Elite Hospital for the flu if you have:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Dizzy spells
• Severe weakness
• Worsening of other chronic health conditions
• Seizures

Older adults and children are more likely to develop serious complications from the flu and may benefit from an evaluation even if symptoms aren’t severe. 

If you or your child has ongoing throat pain and a fever that fails to improve within 48 hours, then you should have a strep test. Though not a common cause of sore throats, an untreated strep infection may lead to rheumatic fever that can damage the heart, joints, or nervous system.

What can I expect during a flu and strep examination?

You can expect immediate and patient-focused care when you visit St. Michael's Elite Hospital for the management of your flu or strep symptoms. After a quick wait in the spa-like lobby, the team takes you to your private exam room for your evaluation.

The team reviews your symptoms and medical history and checks your vitals. St. Michael's Elite Hospital offers onsite diagnostic testing and performs the flu or strep test to confirm or rule out an infection. They may suggest a COVID test, which they also perform onsite, based on your symptoms. 

The team may also request a CT scan to assess lung health if you’re having difficulty breathing, as well as blood work, such as a complete blood count.

If you test positive for the flu, the team may prescribe antiviral medication to alleviate the severity and duration of your flu symptoms. They may also provide respiratory support to improve breathing or admit you to their inpatient facility for further monitoring and care if you have severe symptoms. 

The team at St. Michael's Elite Hospital prescribes antibiotics to treat strep throat. When prescribed within the first 48 hours of an infection, antibiotics may shorten the duration of your illness and prevent more serious health complications. 

For fast and effective emergency care to manage unexpected flu or strep infections, call St. Michael's Elite Hospital. Walk-ins are welcome.