How Is Strep Throat Spread?
How Is Strep Throat Spread? Learn how this contagious infection passes between people and which warning signs may require urgent medical care.

Evidence-based health articles written by the board-certified emergency physicians at Memorial Springs ER in Spring, TX. Topics include when to visit the ER for chest pain, pediatric injuries, insect bites, heartburn, panic attacks, and more.
How Is Strep Throat Spread? Learn how this contagious infection passes between people and which warning signs may require urgent medical care.
Learn how to treat sinus infection with saline rinses, pain relievers, nasal sprays, or antibiotics when prescribed, and know dangerous signs requiring care.
Yes, an upper respiratory infection is usually contagious and can spread through close contact, respiratory particles, and contaminated surfaces.
Yes, rhinovirus is highly contagious and can spread through close contact. Learn how it spreads, how long it lasts, and when symptoms may require urgent care.
Mild sunburns last 3 to 5 days, while severe ones can take 2 weeks or longer. Learn the healing stages, home care tips, and when to visit the ER.
UTIs in women are most commonly caused by E. coli bacteria entering the urethra. Learn the causes, symptoms, prevention tips, and when to visit the ER.
No, allergies do not cause a true fever, but they can create symptoms like fatigue, congestion, and discomfort that may feel like being sick.
Yes, you can be allergic to mosquito bites. Reactions may cause severe swelling, itching, redness, hives, or other uncomfortable symptoms.
Asthma can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and breathing difficulty. Learn common triggers, treatment options, and when symptoms need emergency care.
Food poisoning usually lasts 1–3 days, but some cases may continue for a week or longer depending on the cause and severity.
Stop a runny nose with saline rinses, steam, antihistamines, and decongestants. Learn the causes, best remedies, and when to visit the ER.
Frequent diarrhea can occasionally signal cancer, especially colorectal or pancreatic cancer. Learn the warning signs and when to seek care.
RSV is a common contagious respiratory virus that can be mild in adults but serious in infants and older adults. Learn symptoms and when to seek care.
Most diarrhea resolves within 24 to 48 hours with fluids, rest, and the right foods. Learn fast relief methods, causes, and when to go to the ER.
Most insect bites are minor annoyances that resolve on their own with time. But sometimes, those sharp stings and itchy bumps require immediate medical attention — and it’s important to know the difference between the two.
You feel a sharp pain in your chest — and you immediately wonder if you’re having a heart attack. This reaction is completely understandable, and it’s easy to associate chest pain with cardiac emergencies.
A fever is a natural response of your immune system when fighting infection or illness. It’s defined as 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, and in many cases, it’s a sign your body is doing everything right to help you recover.
No one plans to get sick or injured. But when it happens, you need clear answers — and you need them fast. Whether your child has a fever, you’re dealing with persistent symptoms, or a routine test turns urgent, timely results can make all the difference in your care.
The holiday season should be a time of celebration and joy. But for many people, the truth is that it often means busy schedules, high expectations, financial pressures, and unresolved family issues.
Auto accidents are shocking, frightening, and physically jarring — whether it’s a small fender-bender or something more serious. And when you find yourself in the aftermath of an accident, the most important thing to focus on is your health.
Pregnancy is a time of anticipation and big changes. And while you’re preparing your home and your heart for your new little one, it’s important to be aware that complications can develop that require medical attention.
Chest pain is one of the top reasons that people seek urgent medical care. And while not all chest pain is a sign of a heart attack, it should never be ignored. Other heart issues can require immediate treatment, too — and that’s why it's so important to know when it’s time to seek medical care.
Getting injured on the job can be a stressful and confusing experience, whether it’s a sudden accident or an injury that developed over time. It’s normal to be unsure of what to do next, but taking the right steps early on is essential for a smoother recovery and proper documentation for workers’ compensation or insurance purposes.
A panic attack can be overwhelming. Your chest tightens, your heart races — and for many people, panic attack symptoms mimic those of a heart attack or other medical emergencies.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere in your urinary system that’s caused by bacteria entering your urinary tract. They’re very common — but even so, myths about UTIs persist. These myths can lead to delays in getting the treatment you need, but we want you to have the facts so you can recognize symptoms early.
Heartburn, or acid reflux, is a common condition that almost everyone experiences at some point. It happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest and a sour taste in your mouth.
Burn injuries are painful. They can happen in an instant and leave you wondering what to do next to stop the discomfort as quickly as possible.
Dog bites are frightening and painful — but they’re not all that uncommon. In fact, about 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year, and if you’re uncertain about what to do next, you’re not alone.
Nearly everyone experiences headaches from time to time. They’re a common ailment, and most of the time, they’re not a sign of something more serious. However, a particularly severe, intense, or long-lasting headache might make you wonder if something more serious is going on.
When you're feeling under the weather, understanding the nature of your illness and how to minimize its spread helps protect your loved ones and your community. Our urgent care team at Memorial Springs ER is here to help. Here are six common respiratory illnesses and tips to prevent them from spreading.
Accidents happen — and sometimes, you might find yourself with a cut or wound that requires more attention than a bandage can offer. Knowing when stitches are necessary can help you heal faster and avoid infections, but it’s not always easy to tell if your injury warrants stitches or not.
Whether you're an athlete, an outdoor enthusiast, or you simply found yourself walking on an uneven surface, ankle injuries are incredibly common. And when you turn your ankle and experience a sharp jolt of pain, it’s not always easy to tell if it’s a sprain or something else.
About 2.38 million Americans were injured in auto accidents in 2022, and most people are involved in at least one accident in their lifetimes. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, auto accidents can result in a variety of injuries like whiplash, concussions, and bruising.
You try to shield your child from accidents, but kids have a way of injuring themselves as they begin to explore the world around them. If your child sustains a head injury, you should always have it checked out by a medical professional. Your child may not complain right away after a head injury, but concussion symptoms don’t always present immediately after an accident.
In Spring, Texas, there are several options for urgent care and emergency medical services, but knowing which is the best choice for your pressing medical need can sometimes be tricky.
Abdominal pain is distressing, especially when you're unsure of the cause. While certain clues can indicate the source of the pain, it can be tricky to figure out without a medical assessment.
Before you panic, you should know most causes of chest pain are harmless. However, if you have any pain or discomfort in your chest, it’s best to go to the ER.
Injuries are something nearly everyone deals with, the source of 24.8 million visits to the doctor and 25.5 million trips to the emergency room.