Strep A and the risk it poses have been big news in recent weeks. GPs surgeries have been beset with calls from people with concerns about their sore throat. However, there is a way that you can get tested for a bacterial infection in your throat and get the antibiotics you need without going to the doctor.
In Wales the sore throat test and treat service allows patients who have a sore throat to call into their local pharmacy.
Under the scheme, a trained pharmacist will assess your symptoms, and where appropriate, will test using a quick and pain free test which will swab your throat. The pharmacist will ask you some questions to decide if you need a throat swab and complete a clinical assessment. Not everyone will need a throat swab and if your answers suggest it is a viral infection, a swab may not be necessary.
