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The vast majority of sore throats (cases of pharyngitis) are viral. However, some are indeed bacterial (called "bacterial pharyngitis"). The first step when it comes to treating your sore throat is determining the cause, and this cannot be done based on symptoms alone. You will also need to receive a throat swab from your doctor.  A throat swab can identify the presence of bacteria. It can also inform your doctor of what bacteria specifically is present, causing your sore throat. Throat culture has fallen out of favor due to delay in diagnosis, and rapid antigen detection tests have become popular.  Rapid antigen detection tests also know as “rapid strep test” is favorable because they are quick and have up to 90% sensitivity. Once the cause or your sore throat has been confirmed (and assuming that it is indeed bacterial), you will most likely be prescribed a course of oral antibiotics. The antibiotics will be tailored to the specific bacteria. For a Group A Strep infection, the most common treatment is Penicillin, although there are other choices of antibiotics that may be effective as well.  It is key that you complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed to you by your doctor. One of the main reasons to take antibiotics in bacterial pharyngitis is to prevent complications from the illness. Other medication that can be used in the treatment of strep throat other than penicillin include amoxicillin, ampicillin, clindamycin. cephalosporins, and macrolides.  For patients with hypersensitivity to penicillins, use cephalosporins for treatment. In addition to taking antibiotics to treat the cause of the infection, you may wish to take Acetaminophen to ease other symptoms. It can be purchased over-the-counter at your local pharmacy or drugstore. The usual dosage is 500mg every 4-6 hours as needed.  Acetaminophen can ease the pain of a sore throat by blocking pain receptors in the brain. Acetaminophen can also reduce fever. Your bacterial pharyngitis symptoms should begin to improve one to two days after beginning antibiotic treatment. If you do not notice an improvement, or if new or worse symptoms begin to appear, book a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Most people recover completely from bacterial pharyngitis within a week.  Bacterial pharyngitis that goes untreated poses the risk of complications, such as kidney problems and rheumatic fever. Therefore, it is key to have your infection promptly treated with antibiotics. Treatment is usually for 10 days; however, response to therapy usually take on a few days of time. Make sure you take the antibiotic as prescribed, and do not stop treatment early.
Have a throat swab to diagnose the specific cause of your sore throat. Take antibiotics for bacterial pharyngitis. Use Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease pain and fever. Be aware of the expected recovery time.