As we enter into the
fall season, we often see patients complaining of a sore throat. Sore throat is commonly the first sign of a
cold. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria. The most common causes of sore
throats are viruses. This type of sore throat often gets better on its own
after a few days. However, cold symptoms such as runny nose and congestion may follow
the sore throat symptom.
Strep throat is a
type of sore throat that is caused by an infection due to streptococcus
bacteria. With strep throat, the sore throat is often more severe and persists.
There are also other
causes of sore throat such as, smoking, pollution or irritants in the air,
allergies, and dry air.
What kind of medication is used to treat a sore
throat?
Patients will
often ask for an antibiotic prescription when they have a sore throat. However,
if the sore throat is caused by a cold virus, an antibiotic treatment will not
work. An antibiotic treatment is only effective against bacteria, such as the streptococcus
bacteria in strep throat.
To diagnose strep
throat, you can get a Rapid Strep Test or your doctor can send a throat swab to
the lab for a culture.
*Rapid Strep
Test is available at Custom Care Pharmacy.*
This test gives you results within 5
minutes and you can immediately get a prescription treatment via Telemedicine
service!
Custom Care Pharmacy is open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm on Saturdays. Call us at 905-305-0111 to find out more!
For a sore throat
caused by a cold virus, over-the-counter cold medications may relieve some of
the symptoms. In addition, drinking warm
liquids, gargling with salt water and getting enough rest are things that can
help to feel better.
New Walk-in & Family Doctor besides Custom
Care Pharmacy
Dr. Ricky Hsu
(family doctor) will begin accepting new patients starting Oct 1st, 2015.
Dr. Hsu is fluent in English, Mandarin and Taiwanese. He is a graduate of University of Toronto and he
has been a medical doctor in Canada and Taiwan for over 20 years.
Medical clinic
hours:
Mon Dr. Hsu 10am - 1pm
Tues Dr. Cheng 10am - 7pm
Wed Dr. Cheng
10am – 7pm
Thurs Dr. Hsu 10am -1pm
Fri Dr. Cheng 10am – 7pm
Call 416-291-0033 to book an appointment
當我們進入秋季，我們經常會遇到病人有喉嚨痛症狀。喉嚨痛通常是感冒的第一個跡象。它可以由病毒或細菌引起的。
