Are you experiencing symptoms of strep throat but unsure of how to get tested? North Central Co-op Pharmacies now offers strep throat testing at an affordable price of $15.00. Our pharmacists will administer the test and provide a prescription if needed. With this convenient service, you can receive a diagnosis and begin your journey to recovery without delay.

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What is strep throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial throat infection caused by a group A Streptococcus bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes.

Signs and symptoms of strep throat may include these:

• throat pain and painful swallowing
• small red spots at the back of the mouth
• swollen or tender lymph nodes
• fever
• headache

It’s important to seek medical attention for strep throat. If left untreated, strep throat can cause complications such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can cause inflamed joints, rash or damage to heart valves.

How contagious is strep throat?

Strep throat can be very contagious through close contact. The bacteria are spread through airborne droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

In addition, people who have weakened immune systems from medical conditions or medications may be at increased risk of developing strep throat.

How is strep throat typically diagnosed?

A health-care professional can administer a swab called a rapid antigen test that gives results within a few minutes. If necessary, a culture can also be performed to confirm a diagnosis, but these results take at least 48 hours.

How can strep throat be prevented?

Proper hand washing for at least 20 seconds in hot water is the best way to prevent many types of infections, and strep throat is no exception.

Don’t share personal items such as eating utensils and cups, toothbrushes and other people’s food and drink.

It’s also beneficial to stay away from others who appear sick.

How is strep throat treated?

Strep throat is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor or prescribing pharmacist. Symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications for pain and fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Other strategies to help while recovering from strep throat include getting plenty of rest, drinking water to keep the throat lubricated, gargling with warm salt water and eating soothing foods that are easy to swallow.

How can my pharmacist help?

Your pharmacist can administer the rapid antigen test to see if your sore throat results from a bacterial infection. Check with your local Co-op Pharmacy to see if its pharmacists can offer this test.

Once you’ve been diagnosed, your pharmacist can advise you on the proper use of the antibiotic prescribed to treat your strep throat. The pharmacist can also provide information on over-the-counter medications and other strategies to help keep you more comfortable while you recover.

Although strep throat is a pain in the neck, your pharmacist is here to help!