Sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, or swollen glands? UPharmacy offers rapid strep throat assessment and testing to help determine the right next step for treatment.
A sore throat can be caused by viruses, allergies, irritation, or bacterial infection. Rapid strep testing helps identify whether strep may be present and whether additional treatment may be appropriate.
Many patients seek assessment when experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
Yes. UPharmacy offers rapid strep throat assessment and testing to help determine whether strep may be present and what treatment steps may be appropriate.
For patients with symptoms that fit pharmacist assessment criteria, our pharmacists can review your symptoms, perform testing where available, and recommend next steps.
Strep throat can feel similar to other sore throat illnesses. Testing helps clarify whether strep may be present and whether treatment may be needed.
Our pharmacists can assess common sore throat symptoms and determine whether rapid strep testing may be appropriate.
Pharmacists may prescribe treatment when appropriate.
Some symptoms may require urgent medical assessment or referral to another healthcare provider.
For many sore throat concerns, a pharmacist assessment and rapid strep test may be a faster first step than waiting at a walk-in clinic.
| Care Factor | UPharmacy Pharmacist | Walk-In Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Same-day access often available | Variable wait times |
| Rapid strep testing | Available when appropriate | Varies by clinic |
| Prescription authority | Available when appropriate | Available |
| Prescription fulfillment | Often filled immediately on site | Requires pharmacy visit after appointment |
| Follow-up support | Available | Varies |
| Delivery | Free Alberta-wide delivery available | Not typically available |
Strep throat can cause a sudden sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, swollen glands, and red or swollen tonsils. Cough, runny nose, and hoarseness are more commonly associated with viral illness.
A rapid strep test can help determine whether strep may be present and whether treatment is appropriate.
Answer a few quick questions to see whether your symptoms are more consistent with strep throat or a viral sore throat.
This quick quiz can help you understand whether a rapid strep test may be worth considering based on common symptom patterns.
Age can help guide whether symptoms should be assessed more carefully.
Fever can be more common with strep throat than with a simple viral sore throat.
Painful swallowing is one of the symptoms commonly reported with strep throat.
A cough is more commonly associated with viral sore throat. Strep throat often presents without a cough.
Runny nose and congestion are more commonly linked with viral illness or allergies.
White patches may be present with strep throat, although not everyone can easily see them.
Tender lymph nodes in the front of the neck can be a distinct sign seen with strep throat.
Some symptoms should be assessed urgently and should not wait for a pharmacy visit.
Your answers include symptoms that may be consistent with strep throat. A pharmacist assessment and rapid strep test can help determine whether Group A Streptococcus bacteria may be causing your sore throat and whether treatment is appropriate.
Your answer included symptoms that may require urgent medical attention. Please seek emergency medical care right away rather than waiting for a pharmacy assessment.
This tool is not a medical diagnosis. A pharmacist assessment and rapid strep test can help determine the most appropriate next step.
Strep throat commonly presents with severe sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, tender glands in the front of the neck, and usually no cough. Viral sore throats more often come with cough, runny nose, congestion, or hoarseness. Because symptoms can overlap, a rapid strep test can help determine the most appropriate next step.
UPharmacy uses a professional rapid Group A Strep test to help determine whether your sore throat may be caused by strep bacteria. The test is similar in format to the rapid tests many patients became familiar with during COVID: a swab is collected from the back of the throat while avoiding the teeth, tongue, and lips, then processed using the test kit.
The test itself typically processes in approximately 5 to 10 minutes. The full visit, including your symptom review, testing, results, and treatment plan, is usually closer to 15 minutes, with additional time if a prescription needs to be prepared.
The product information reviewed by the UPharmacy team reports strong test performance when used according to the manufacturer's instructions:
Your pharmacist interprets the result alongside your symptoms, medical history, and timing of illness. No rapid test is perfect, and results may be affected by when symptoms started and how the sample is collected.
Your strep throat appointment is designed to be clear, comfortable, and efficient from symptom review to next steps.
Talk with a pharmacist about your sore throat, fever, swollen glands, medical history, medications, and allergies.
Your pharmacist reviews your symptoms and determines whether rapid strep testing is appropriate.
A quick throat swab may be gently taken from the back of the throat. The swab itself only takes a few seconds.
Your pharmacist explains the results, recommends treatment, prescribes when appropriate, and answers your questions.
When strep throat is confirmed or strongly suspected, timely care can help you understand your next steps and reduce the risk of unnecessary delay.
Rapid testing helps clarify whether symptoms may be bacterial or more likely viral.
Your pharmacist can recommend treatment and prescribe when clinically appropriate.
Clear guidance can help you understand when to stay home and how to reduce transmission.
Testing supports antibiotic stewardship when a sore throat is more likely viral.
Most strep assessments are quick and straightforward.
We ask when symptoms began and review fever, cough, swollen glands, and other signs.
Your pharmacist reviews your medical history, medications, allergies, and whether testing is appropriate.
If appropriate, a rapid strep test may be completed to help guide next steps.
We recommend treatment, prescribe when appropriate, or refer you for additional care if needed.
Not every sore throat requires antibiotics. Many sore throats are viral and do not benefit from antibiotics. A pharmacist assessment and rapid strep test can help determine whether treatment may be appropriate.
If strep is suspected or confirmed and prescribing is appropriate, your pharmacist can discuss treatment options and next steps.
Access rapid strep testing when clinically appropriate.
Prompt access to pharmacists who assess and prescribe for eligible concerns.
Many patients can be assessed the same day.
UPharmacy provides pharmacist-led strep throat assessments and testing in Calgary and Edmonton.
UPharmacy Calgary South
10201 Southport Road SW, Unit 230
Calgary, AB
Serving South Calgary, Southwood, Canyon Meadows, Willow Park, Acadia, Haysboro, Kingsland, Oakridge, Palliser, and surrounding areas.
UPharmacy West District
780 78 Street SW, Unit 201
Calgary, AB
Serving Aspen Woods, West Springs, Signal Hill, Springbank Hill, Discovery Ridge, Coach Hill, Cougar Ridge, Patterson, and surrounding areas.
UPharmacy Windermere
5083 Windermere Blvd SW, Unit 104
Edmonton, AB
Serving Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick, Glenridding, Chappelle, Terwillegar, Riverbend, Rutherford, Heritage Valley, Allard, and surrounding areas.
Yes. UPharmacy offers rapid strep throat assessment and testing to help determine the most appropriate next steps for treatment.
Common symptoms can include sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, swollen glands, red or swollen tonsils, and white patches on the tonsils.
Alberta pharmacists may prescribe when clinically appropriate after assessment and based on test results, patient history, and referral requirements.
No referral is required to book a pharmacist assessment.
Seek urgent medical care if you have difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing saliva, severe dehydration, neck swelling, a rash, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening.
Sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, or swollen glands can be uncomfortable and disruptive. UPharmacy pharmacists can assess your symptoms, provide rapid testing when appropriate, recommend treatment, prescribe when appropriate, and help you access care sooner.
UPharmacy pharmacists can assess and provide treatment recommendations for many common minor ailments and everyday health concerns.
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UPharmacy
Pharmacy Licensee/Manager: Kartik Rana #16208
Pharmacy License: 3805
Proprietor's Representative: Ahmad Chehade
UPharmacy Calgary South
Pharmacy Licensee/Manager: Adam Chehade
Pharmacy License: 4552, 16270
Proprietor's Representative: Ahmad Chehade
UPharmacy West District
Pharmacy Manager/Licensee: Jung Min Kim
Pharmacy License: 4965, 15465
Proprietor's Representative: Ahmad Chehade
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Pharmacy Licensee/Manager: Aaron Chy #13608
Pharmacy License: 3917
Proprietor's Representative: Ahmad Chehade
The licensee is required to provide, on the request of a patient, the name and practice permit number of any regulated member who provides a pharmacy service to the patient or who engages in the practice of pharmacy with respect to a patient.
Click here to go to the Alberta College of Pharmacy website to view the Patient Concerns poster.
