Feeling Sick?

A common sore throat is a symptom that may be caused by a viral infection such as the flu or a cold. It typically improves or goes away on its own within a week and may be accompanied by a runny nose and congestion. Allergies, post-nasal drip, and cigarette smoke can also cause a sore throat.

Sore throat can also be a symptom of strep throat, caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It requires antibiotic treatment. Those infected spread the bacteria through respiratory droplets from talking, coughing, or sneezing. People around them can become infected by breathing these droplets, touching a contaminated surface and then touching their  mouth or nose, or by drinking or eating from the same utensils as an infected person.

Strep throat and a sore throat share some common symptoms, but there are some differences as well. Common symptoms of a sore throat may include:

●     Pain or irritation in the throat

●     Difficulty swallowing

●     Dryness or scratchiness in the throat

●     Sore, swollen glands in the neck

●     Hoarseness or loss of voice

●     Mild fever

●     Headache

●     Cough

Strep throat, which is caused by a bacterial infection, can cause the above symptoms, but may also include:

●     Severe sore throat

●     White or yellow spots on the tonsils or back of the throat

●     Swollen tonsils or lymph nodes in the neck

●     Fever over 101°F

●     Body aches

●     Nausea or vomiting

Some people with strep throat may not display any symptoms at all, or their symptoms may be very mild.

Both COVID-19 and flu can have varying degrees of symptoms, ranging from no symptoms to severe symptoms. Some common symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share include: Fever or feeling feverish, cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headache, change in or loss of taste or smell, although this symptom is more frequent with COVID-19.

It’s essential to practice good hygiene and take precautions to avoid infected individuals to help prevent the spread of strep throat, flu, and COVID-19. This includes frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable. Avoid touching your face and cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inner crook of the elbow.

Also, avoid sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, and towels to prevent the spread of these illnesses. Follow local guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as wearing masks, social distancing, and getting vaccinated.

In addition to these prevention measures, Rite Aid offers flu and COVID-19 vaccines to help protect against these viruses. Use our vaccine scheduler to book your appointment. 

If you're experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, Rite Aid offers quick and convenient testing to diagnose flu, strep throat or COVID-19. We also provide at-home testing kits for COVID-19.

Get results fast with our streamlined 3-step process:

●     Schedule your service appointment.

●     Receive testing from your Rite Aid pharmacist.

●     Obtain your test results and a pharmacist will prescribe treatment for you, where available.

Early detection and treatment are crucial for a speedy recovery and to prevent further spread of these illnesses. Please visit your nearest Rite Aid for testing and treatment options.

Treatment options for sore throat, including those caused by strep throat and COVID-19, typically involve managing symptoms. You can use anti-inflammatory agents, over-the-counter pain relievers, and numbing sprays or lozenges. Decongestants, antihistamines and expectorants are also effective in alleviating congestion and post-nasal drip which contributes to throat irritation.

In the case of strep throat, antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider are typically required to treat the underlying bacterial infection. However, antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like COVID-19,  and treatment is focused on managing symptoms and supporting the immune system while the body fights the infection. Make sure to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and explore the range of immune support products at Rite Aid.

If you test positive for COVID-19, your physician may prescribe antiviral medications like Paxlovid or Lagevrio, which can be filled at your local Rite Aid. 

Yes. Antiviral drugs are prescription medications that can be used to manage influenza. They work by combating the influenza virus in the respiratory system and are different from antibiotics, which treat bacterial infections.

Starting antiviral treatment within two days of symptom onset is crucial for optimal efficacy. Antiviral medications can relieve symptoms like fever and reduce the illness duration by about a day, and early treatment can help prevent severe flu complications, such as pneumonia.

If you test positive for COVID-19 and the flu at the same time, it is important to coordinate the treatments for both illnesses. Your pharmacist will consider various factors, such as the severity of symptoms, your age, and underlying health conditions, to create a treatment plan. It may involve antiviral medications, supportive care, and monitoring for any potential complications.

At Rite Aid, a pharmacist can test to determine what may be causing your sore throat and help treat according to your results. They can discuss different treatment options based on specific symptoms and provide advice on over-the-counter medications and other pain relief and comfort measures.

Rite Aid also offers various services to help manage prescriptions and health concerns like strep throat, influenza, and COVID-19. The Rite Aid Pharmacy mobile app allows customers to manage their prescription reminders, access their immunization and detailed prescription history, and update personal information.