Rapid Strep Throat Testing
Sore throat? Worried you have strep? Come into our pharmacy for a rapid strep throat test — it only takes a few minutes and results are available right away.
Know if it’s strep
Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus bacteria and cannot be diagnosed by looking at the throat alone. A healthcare provider must perform a rapid strep test to positively diagnose it.
Symptoms to watch for
With strep throat, the sore throat is often more severe and worsens when swallowing. Headache, fever, and a general ill feeling often accompany it. Additional symptoms may include white, draining patches on the throat and swollen or tender lymph glands in the neck. Children may experience nausea and vomiting. Strep throat can be spread from person to person and is most common in children.
We examine & test
It is important to visit a healthcare provider to determine the cause of a sore throat. We can examine the throat and determine if further tests are needed — a rapid strep test positively diagnoses strep throat in minutes.
Treatment
While a sore throat associated with a cold will resolve on its own, strep throat usually requires antibiotics, which may be prescribed upon a positive strep throat test. Get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids, and use throat lozenges or over-the-counter pain medicine for relief.
Sore throat that won’t go away?
Walk in for a rapid strep test — results in minutes, and antibiotics prescribed if positive.