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Cold & Flu (included Strep Throat testing)

Having a sore throat is very common, especially in children. A sore throat may be caused by a viral infection like a Cold, Flu or COVID. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection Streptococcus (Strep Throat)

There are several groups of people who should consider getting tested:

  • Children who develop a sore throat and it does not clear within a couple of days.
  • Adults who come in contact with children carrying this Bacteria and develop a sore throat after contact.
  • Children or Adults where there is a history of Rheumatic Fever in the family (this group is high risk and should always get tested).

People who contract Strep Throat are at risk of Rheumatic Fever and require treatment with an Antibiotic for 10 days to prevent this. 

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.

The benefits are: 

  1. You get an immediate result, rather than waiting 3 days for the lab result to come back to you. 
  2. Less sick days off school or work - beginning treatment immediately means you recover faster
  3. No unnecessary antibiotics - if your test is negative then there is no need to treat.

Please call the Pharmacy to see if you are eligible for a FREE TEST otherwise there will be a charge for this service.

Our Pharmacists may also issue a Medical Certificate for 1-3 days if deemed suitable (a cost applies).

For further information on sore throat treatment talk to one of our staff members or see https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/s/sore-throat-adults/

All patients with sore throat symptoms should test 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. 

Kensington Pharmacy Ltd

Kensington Pharmacy is your Locally Owned Community Pharmacy that has been serving the community for over 65 years. We are open 7 Days a week, 365 Days of the Year. At Kensington Pharmacy we deliver quality, personalized care to ensure our customers can achieve the best possible health results!