Superdrug now tests sore throats for antibiotics

Sore throat? Superdrug can now test to see if you need antibiotics

Tonsillitis sufferers unite.

 

For those who are prone to tonsillitis, every winter comes hand-in-hand with a big dose of a sore throat, swollen glands and – usually – a course of antibiotics. But not every sore throat requires prescribed medication, as it depends on whether the cause is a viral or a bacterial infection.

Typically, the only way to find this out is to go to your GP. Which is why it's great news that Superdrug is now offering a 'test and treat' service to customers with sore throats.

This winter, all you have to do is turn up to a Superdrug Pharmacy and request a free 10-minute consultation service. First, a pharmacist will ask you a series of questions to determine your symptoms. If the medical expert deems it appropriate, patients will then be offered a full throat examination, which may include a swab test to accurately identify whether the cause of your sore throat is viral or bacterial.

If it's viral, unfortunately nothing can be given aside from the usual pain-easing medication (throat spray, paracetamol, hot cup of honey and lemon, repeat). If the cause is bacterial, you will either be prescribed an antibiotic treatment (costing the same price as a normal prescription), or you can be referred to your GP.

How much simpler will this make your life? A lot, is the answer.

And there's another benefit to Superdrug's new service too: it should hopefully take some strain off the NHS. GPs currently spend around 200,000 hours each year dealing with patients who have sore throats, but only around 10% of these cases usually turn out to be bacterial (and, therefore, treatable with antibiotics). If the viral cases can be dealt with outside of the doctor's surgery, it could ease doctor's workloads a little so others can get the medical attention they need.

Happy sore throat season, one and all. Source:goodhousekeeping