Anyone who wants to test themselves for an infection can get various tests at pharmacies. Recently, following an amendment to the Medical Devices Dispensing Ordinance, pharmacies are also allowed to dispense strep tests, provided they are intended by the manufacturer for use by laypersons. Dr. Armin Hoffmann, President of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists: "The sooner an infectious disease is known, the sooner medical treatment can begin. The pharmacy teams provide competent advice on all self-tests and what recommendations for action result from a positive or negative test result."
Strep bacteria are bacteria that are responsible for scarlet fever infections, among others. A throat swab is used as a sample material for the self-tests. Scarlet fever often occurs in children. It initially manifests rather non-specifically and causes headaches or sore throats and fever. After one to two days, a rash appears. A coated white, later reddened "raspberry tongue" is typical. In case of a positive strep self-test, those affected should consult a doctor. Then, if necessary, antibiotics can be prescribed for the bacterial infection. However, antibiotics do not help against a cold caused by a viral infection.
