We are seeing an increased number of cases of Strep A compared to normal at this time of year, the increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing. The UKHSA said the data shows an "out-of-season increase" in Strep A and scarlet fever infections and a higher number of cases of both diseases than seen in a typical year - which can be concerning, this simple at home test can put your mind at ease.

What is Strep-A?

Many different factors can cause sore throats. Viruses, bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes, dry air, allergies or even drainage from a runny nose can make your throat hurt. While allergies or a runny nose are painful nuisances, strep throat is an illness that needs a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment.

Viruses cause most sore throats. However, strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep). Throat infections due to strep A have very similar symptoms to throat infections from other causes, such as viruses. Group A strep bacteria often live in the nose and throat. People who are infected spread the bacteria by talking, coughing, or sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria. In general, strep throat is a mild infection, but it can be very painful. Common symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Pain when swallowing
• Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red
• Red and swollen tonsils
• White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils
• Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae
• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck

Get results in as little as 5 minutes, in the privacy of your own home

But how can you tell if you just have a sore throat or if you’re developing the worse condition of strep throat? Viral illnesses can have the same symptoms as strep throat, so it’s important to get a throat swab to confirm the presence of the strep bacteria in your throat if you experience any of these symptoms. The Veda Lab Strep A Home Test Kit is an immunochromatographic rapid test for the qualitative detection of Streptococcus Group A antigen in throat. Simply use the enclosed cotton swab to obtain a sample from the throat, mix it with the test solutions and then add 3 drops to the test cassette. You will then be able to read the results after 5 minutes. A positive or negative result is indicated by 2 or only 1 line in the test window respectively. Always contact your GP is you are concerned about any symptoms even if the result is negative.