Do you have a sore throat?

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