Fort Saskatchewan’s Shoppers Drug Mart has made it easier than ever to get tested to strep throat.
Raj Bharadia, pharmacist and owner of the Westpark Shoppers, says that it’s been a historic season for strep throat.
“Typically, we see people who come in withs symptoms of strep throat. We test them, and the positivity rate is usually around 25 per cent,” said Bharadia. “Over the last year we’ve seen a big jump at almost 50 per cent of people coming in with symptoms being positive.”
The time it takes between taking the test and receiving results can be as short as 15 minutes.
Symptoms of strep throat include throat pain, swollen tonsils, fever, headache, and body aches.
“These symptoms can span a variety of different viruses and infections, but that’s why the testing is so important. We can prescribe antibiotics right on site.”
The Westpark Shoppers Drug Mart offers treatment for these symptoms, which also helps take the strain off of hospitals in the area.
“It’s really been awesome to see how people can see us and we can be that point of contact for primary care access.”
Bharadia added that anyone looking to speak to a pharmacist about what they can be treated for can call the pharmacy at 780-998-1821.
