P.E.I. expanding Pharmacy Plus program to include strep throat testing, treatment

A P.E.I. pharmacist is pictured. (Source: Government of P.E.I.)

Prince Edward Island is expanding its pharmacy program to include strep throat testing and treatment.

Pharmacy Plus PEI, which allows residents to get treatment and prescriptions for 35 common ailments at participating pharmacies, now allows pharmacists to assess sore throats to determine if a patient is suffering from strep.

“The majority of sore throats will be caused by a virus, and will not require treatment with antibiotics,” said Erin MacKenzie, executive director of the PEI Pharmacy Association, in a news release. “However, in cases where strep throat is suspected, the pharmacist can now, where appropriate, provide a further assessment to determine if antibiotics are warranted and provide treatment.

“Previously, these individuals would have been referred to a physician or nurse practitioner or, if that wasn’t an option, to the emergency department.”

Strep throat is a bacterial infection with symptoms such as fever, swollen glands and severe sore throat, according to the release.

Other ailments covered by Pharmacy Plus include acne, canker sores, cough, dry eyes, nausea, warts and urinary tract infections.

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