Sore Throat and Strep A Testing
Got a sore throat and wondering if it is Streptococcus?
Most sore throats get better after 2 or 3 days and go away completely in 7 to 10 days without any treatment. If you have strep throat, you will need to take antibiotics for 10 days. It is important to finish them all to stop you getting rheumatic fever.
Our trained pharmacists can conduct a Rapid Antigen Test for Strep A which gives an immediate result. If the patient has a positive result then a suitable course of antibiotics can be issued plus a Medical Certificate for 1-3 days. The consultation costs $30 and a course of non funded antibiotics range from $15-25 depending on what antibiotic is right for you.
The benefits are:
- You get an immediate result, rather than waiting 3 days for the lab result to come back to you.
- Less sick days off work or school - beginning treatment immediately will mean you recover faster
- No unnecessary antibiotics - if your test is negative then there is no need to treat.
- If you are at a higher risk of Rheumatic Fever i.e. Māori or Pasifika, you will need a course of antibiotics.
Included in the consultation is the issue of a medical certificate, if deemed appropriate, for 1 to 3 days.
Further info, click here
All patients with sore throat symptoms should be tested for Covid before coming to the pharmacy. If the Covid Test is positive, stay home and phone us for advice.
Disclaimer - These medications are supplied under Standing Orders, supervised by a registered medical practitioner. You must complete a consultation with our pharmacist to access these medicines.
