- Walk-In Urgent Care
- Open 7 Days
- No Appointment Needed
Sore Throat Treatment in Anaheim, CA
On-site rapid strep testing with results in 10 minutes. Board-certified physicians. Most patients seen in under 30 minutes.
- Walk-Ins Welcome
- Most Insurance Accepted
- On-Site Lab Testing
- Pediatric & Adult Care
Location
1081 N Tustin Ave, Suite 117 Anaheim, CA 92807
Hours
Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 3pm
Phone
714-630-6363
Average Wait
Under 30 Minutes
Fast, Expert Sore Throat Care When You Need It
A sore throat can disrupt your entire day—making it painful to swallow, eat, or even speak. Whether you woke up with throat pain or your child came home from school with a scratchy throat and fever, MD Medical Clinics provides prompt diagnosis and treatment so you can start feeling better fast.
Our Anaheim urgent care clinic is equipped with an on-site clinical laboratory for rapid strep testing, allowing our board-certified physicians to diagnose bacterial infections and prescribe appropriate treatment during your visit. Unlike emergency rooms where you might wait hours for a simple throat exam, most of our patients are seen, tested, and treated in under an hour.
We treat patients of all ages, from young children experiencing their first strep infection to adults dealing with recurring throat issues. Our compassionate medical staff understands that a sore throat—while common—can be genuinely miserable, and we’re committed to getting you the care you need without unnecessary delays or expenses.
Sore Throat Symptoms We Treat
Sore throats can present in many ways depending on the underlying cause. Our physicians evaluate all your symptoms to determine the most effective treatment approach.
Common Sore Throat Symptoms
- Throat pain or scratchiness — ranging from mild irritation to severe pain
- Pain when swallowing — discomfort with food, liquids, or saliva
- Swollen, red tonsils — visible inflammation at the back of throat
- White patches or pus — often indicates bacterial infection
- Swollen lymph nodes — tender glands in neck or jaw
- Hoarse or muffled voice — changes in voice quality
Associated Symptoms
- Fever and chills — body temperature over 100.4°F
- Headache — often accompanies throat infections
- Body aches — general muscle discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting — especially in children with strep
- Rash — scarlet fever rash with strep infection
- Ear pain — referred pain from throat infection
What Causes a Sore Throat?
Understanding what’s causing your sore throat is essential for effective treatment. Our physicians perform thorough examinations and use diagnostic testing to identify the source of your symptoms.
Viral Infections (Most Common)
The majority of sore throats are caused by viral infections and typically resolve within 5-7 days. Common viral causes include the common cold, influenza (flu), COVID-19, mononucleosis (mono), and other respiratory viruses. Viral sore throats usually present with additional symptoms like runny nose, cough, sneezing, and watery eyes. While antibiotics won’t help viral infections, we can recommend treatments to manage your symptoms and help you feel more comfortable.
Bacterial Infections
Strep throat (caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria) is the most common bacterial cause of sore throat, accounting for about 20-30% of sore throats in children and 5-15% in adults. Strep throat requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications like rheumatic fever or kidney problems. Our on-site rapid strep test can confirm or rule out strep throat in about 10 minutes.
Other Causes
Sore throats can also result from allergies and postnasal drip, dry air (especially during winter months), environmental irritants like smoke or pollution, acid reflux (GERD), voice strain from yelling or prolonged talking, and in rare cases, more serious conditions that require further evaluation.
Strep Throat vs. Viral Sore Throat
While only a medical test can definitively diagnose strep throat, certain symptom patterns can help distinguish bacterial from viral infections:
🔴 Signs That Suggest STREP THROAT
- Sudden onset of severe throat pain
- Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
- Red, swollen tonsils with white patches
- Tiny red spots on roof of mouth
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes
- Headache, nausea, or vomiting
- Sandpaper-like rash (scarlet fever)
- ABSENCE of cough, runny nose, congestion
🟢 Signs That Suggest VIRAL Infection
- Gradual onset of symptoms
- Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
- Red, swollen tonsils with white patches
- Tiny red spots on roof of mouth
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes
- Headache, nausea, or vomiting
- Sandpaper-like rash (scarlet fever)
- ABSENCE of cough, runny nose, congestion
Important: These are general guidelines only. The only way to confirm strep throat is through laboratory testing. If you or your child has symptoms that could be strep, visit our clinic for a rapid strep test.
What to Expect During Your Visit
At MD Medical Clinics, we’ve streamlined our sore throat evaluation process to get you diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.
Check-In
Walk in or check in online. Our front desk staff will collect your information and insurance details. Average wait time is under 30 minutes.
Initial Assessment
A medical assistant will take your vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse) and ask about your symptoms, when they started, and any relevant medical history.
Physician Examination
Our board-certified physician will perform a thorough examination of your throat, tonsils, lymph nodes, and ears. They'll discuss your symptoms and medical history.
Diagnostic Testing
If strep throat is suspected, we'll perform a rapid strep test (results in ~10 minutes). We may also test for flu or COVID-19 if indicated by your symptoms.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Based on your exam and test results, your physician will explain your diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment. If antibiotics are needed, you'll leave with your prescription ready to fill.
Sore Throat Treatment Options
Your treatment will depend on what’s causing your sore throat. Here’s what you can expect:
For Bacterial Infections (Strep Throat)
- Penicillin or Amoxicillin — First-line treatment, typically 10 days
- Azithromycin (Z-Pack) — For patients with penicillin allergies
- Cephalosporins (Ceftin, Keflex) — Alternative options when needed
Most patients begin feeling better within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotics.
For Viral Infections
Since antibiotics don’t work against viruses, treatment focuses on symptom relief while your immune system fights the infection:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Throat lozenges or sprays for temporary numbing
- Increased fluid intake to stay hydrated
- Rest to support immune function
- Humidifier to add moisture to dry air
- Warm salt water gargles
Need Sore Throat Treatment Today?
Your treatment will depend on what’s causing your sore throat. Here’s what you can expect:
When to Seek Medical Care for a Sore Throat
🏥 Visit Urgent Care If You Have:
- Sore throat lasting more than 7 days
- Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
- Severe pain that makes swallowing difficult
- White patches or pus on tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
- Rash accompanying your sore throat
- Blood in saliva or phlegm
- Recurring sore throats (multiple times per year)
- Exposure to someone with strep throat
🚨 Go to the ER If You Have:
- Severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Inability to swallow saliva (drooling)
- Severe swelling of throat or tongue
- Inability to open mouth fully
- Stiff neck with high fever
- Fever over 104°F (40°C)
Sore Throat Treatment for Children
Sore throats are extremely common in children, and strep throat is particularly prevalent in school-aged kids. At MD Medical Clinics, we provide gentle, child-friendly care to help your little one feel better fast.
When to Bring Your Child In:
- Throat pain severe enough to affect eating or drinking
- Fever over 101°F lasting more than 2 days
- Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling
- Swollen glands you can see or feel
- Red rash anywhere on their body
- Known exposure to strep throat at school or daycare
- History of rheumatic fever or frequent strep infections
5-15
Age range when strep throat is most common in children
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about sore throat treatment at MD Medical Clinics.
Serving Anaheim & Surrounding Communities
MD Medical Clinics is conveniently located in Northeast Anaheim, providing walk-in sore throat treatment and urgent care services to residents throughout Orange County.
MD Medical Clinics
1081 N Tustin Ave, Suite 117
Anaheim, CA 92807
Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Phone: (714) 630-6363
Location & Directions
Located at Tustin Ave & La Palma Ave in Northeast Anaheim. 2 miles from Anaheim Hills, near 91 & 57 freeways.
Easy access from: Orange, Placentia, Villa Park, Yorba Linda, Fullerton, Tustin, Brea, Canyon Hills, Anaheim Resort.
Zip Codes We Serve
Serving These Orange County Communities
Why Choose MD Medical Clinics
Experience the difference of patient-centered urgent care focused on getting you better, faster.
On-Site Laboratory
Rapid strep test results in 10 minutes, plus flu and COVID-19 testing available. No separate lab visits needed.
Board-Certified Physicians
Experienced physicians providing expert diagnosis and treatment for patients of all ages.
Minimal Wait Times
Most patients seen in under 30 minutes. Book online or walk in—no appointment necessary.
Affordable Care
Competitive self-pay rates and most major insurance plans accepted. Transparent pricing.
Pediatric-Friendly
Compassionate care for children of all ages. Experienced with pediatric strep throat treatment.
Convenient Location
Easy access from 91, 57, and 55 freeways. Ample parking. Serving Northeast Anaheim and surrounding areas.
Don't Suffer Through a Sore Throat
Whether you need a rapid strep test, antibiotic prescription, or simply want peace of mind about your symptoms, MD Medical Clinics is here to help.
- MD Clinics | 1081 N Tustin Ave Suite 117, Anaheim, CA, 92807
- Mon-Fri: 8 AM – 6 PM | Sat: 9 AM – 3 PM
