Strep A & Sore Throat - Test and Treat
What causes a sore throat?
A sore throat is often a symptom of:
- colds or flu – you may also have a blocked or runny nose, a cough, a high temperature (fever), a headache, and general aches
- laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box) – you may also have a hoarse voice, a dry cough, and a constant need to clear your throat
- tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) – you may also have red or spotty tonsils, discomfort when swallowing, and a fever
- strep throat (a bacterial throat infection) – you may also have swollen glands in your neck, discomfort when swallowing, and tonsillitis
- glandular fever – you may also feel very tired and have a fever and swollen glands in your neck
- It may also be caused by something irritating your throat, such as smoke, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (where acid leaks up from the stomach) and, allergies.
Less common causes:
Less often, a sore throat can be a sign of:
- quinsy (a painful collection of pus at the back of the throat) – the pain may be severe and you may also have difficulty opening your mouth or difficulty swallowing
- epiglottitis (inflammation of the flap of tissue at the back of the throat) – the pain may be severe and you may have difficulty breathing and difficulty swallowing
These conditions are more serious and should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible (see below).
When to get professional advice
If you have a sore throat you can get advice and treatment directly from your local McKeevers Pharmacist. You don’t usually need to get medical advice if you have a sore throat however your pharmacist may advise you to see your GP if:
- your symptoms are severe
- you have persistent symptoms that haven’t started to improve after a week
- you experience severe sore throats frequently
- you have a weak immune system – for example, you have HIV, are having chemotherapy, or are taking medication that suppresses your immune system
If you have a persistent sore throat (one that lasts three to four weeks), you should see your GP who may refer you for further tests. This is because your sore throat may be a symptom of a more serious condition.
When to get emergency help
Very rarely, a sore throat can be a sign of a serious problem. Visit your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or call 999 for an ambulance immediately if:
- your symptoms are severe or getting worse quickly
- you have difficulty breathing
- you’re making a high-pitched sound as you breathe (called stridor)
- you have difficulty swallowing
- you start drooling
How much does the Strep A & Sore Throat - Test & Treat service cost?
The cost for a Strep A test carried out by one of our Pharmacists in-store is £9.99.
If you get a positive result the Pharmacists, after taking a full medical history and assessing your current condition, may provide antibiotics privately at an additional cost of £9.99.
If you get a negative result the Pharmacist, along with appropriate advice, may offer some over-the-counter products that will help you manage those symptoms.
To book an appointment please select your preferred store from the list below: