You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Show
Get the factsYour options
Key points to remember
FAQs Sore throats can be painful and annoying. But most of the time they go away on their own. It may take a few days or up to a week, depending on the cause. Most sore throats are caused by a virus, such as a cold. A bacterial infection can also cause a sore throat. If you have a sudden, severe sore throat without coughing, sneezing, or other cold symptoms, you could have strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. About 1 out of 10 sore throats in adults is caused by strep throat. This means that 9 out of 10 sore throats aren't strep. Antibiotics don't work at all for a sore throat caused by a virus. These kinds of sore throats usually go away on their own in 4 to 5 days. If you have strep throat—which is caused by bacteria—your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, such as penicillin. But strep throat goes away on its own in 3 to 7 days with or without antibiotics. Antibiotics may not make you well faster. But they may shorten the time you are able to spread strep throat to others (are contagious) by a day or so. Antibiotics may also lower the risk of a bacterial infection spreading to other parts of your body, such as your ears and sinuses. They can also prevent serious but rare problems such as rheumatic fever in children. Antibiotics may cause side effects, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and skin rashes. Besides side effects, there are other good reasons not to use antibiotics unless you really need them.
Home treatment is often all you need to soothe a sore throat. Try these tips:
Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Your doctor may advise you to take antibiotics if you have strep throat, which is caused by bacteria. Antibiotics will only work if your sore throat is caused by bacteria. Your doctor will do a throat culture or a rapid strep test to find out if you have strep throat. Compare your options
Take antibiotics Take antibiotics
Don't take antibiotics Don't take antibiotics
I was sick a lot as a kid, and I was always taking medicine. Maybe it helped at the time. But in the past few years, when I've gotten a bad sore throat or sinus infection, antibiotics haven't worked. I've had to try two or three different ones each time. That gets expensive. The next time I get a sore throat, I'm going to try just staying home, resting, and taking care of myself instead of taking antibiotics. Jesse, 34 My 8-year-old daughter got strep throat last month. I thought it was just a cold, and I kept her home from school for a few days. But she wasn't getting better and she felt so miserable. I was also worried about ear infections. She gets a lot of those too. The doctor did a strep test and suggested she take antibiotics. Amy started feeling better a few days later. I think antibiotics were the right way to go this time. Marla, 39 My insurance doesn't pay for all of my medicines, so I try to make sure I really need the ones I do take. The last time I had a bad cold, my throat got really sore. The pain made it hard for me to swallow. I called my doctor's office and the nurse said I could come in if I felt I needed a prescription. I thought I'd wait and see instead. I took ibuprofen and drank a lot of tea and honey, and in a few days I felt better. I'm glad I didn't spend the money on a doctor visit and medicine. Esther, 42 I'm pretty healthy most of the time, but this past winter I got sick. I was down for 3 or 4 days. It turns out I had an infection in my throat and tonsils. The doctor thought I should take antibiotics because of my age and health. And I wanted to get over it as soon as possible so I could go back to my volunteer job at the local hospital. I think the medicine helped me get back on my feet just a little sooner than if I hadn't taken it. George, 79 What matters most to you?Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. Reasons to take antibiotics for a sore throat Reasons not to take antibiotics for a sore throat
I want to take medicine even if there's only a chance it will help me get well faster. I may not want to take medicine if it won't help me get well faster. More important Equally important More important I'm worried about my sore throat turning into an ear infection or sinus infection. I'm not worried about my sore throat turning into an ear infection or sinus infection. More important Equally important More important I'm not worried about the risk of taking antibiotics too often. I'm worried about the risks of taking antibiotics too often. More important Equally important More important I've had a sore throat for more than a week, and it's not getting better. I've had a sore throat for just a few days. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important Where are you leaning now?Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. Taking antibiotics NOT taking antibiotics Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward What else do you need to make your decision?Certainty 1. Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 3. Your SummaryHere's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Next stepsWhich way you're leaningHow sure you areYour commentsKey concepts that you understoodKey concepts that may need reviewPatient choicesCredits
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Sore Throat: Should I Take Antibiotics?Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
1. Get the FactsYour options
Key points to remember
FAQs What is a sore throat?Sore throats can be painful and annoying. But most of the time they go away on their own. It may take a few days or up to a week, depending on the cause. Most sore throats are caused by a virus, such as a cold. A bacterial infection can also cause a sore throat. If you have a sudden, severe sore throat without coughing, sneezing, or other cold symptoms, you could have strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. About 1 out of 10 sore throats in adults is caused by strep throat. This means that 9 out of 10 sore throats aren't strep. How well do antibiotics work to treat a sore throat?Antibiotics don't work at all for a sore throat caused by a virus. These kinds of sore throats usually go away on their own in 4 to 5 days. If you have strep throat—which is caused by bacteria—your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, such as penicillin. But strep throat goes away on its own in 3 to 7 days with or without antibiotics. Antibiotics may not make you well faster. But they may shorten the time you are able to spread strep throat to others (are contagious) by a day or so. Antibiotics may also lower the risk of a bacterial infection spreading to other parts of your body, such as your ears and sinuses. They can also prevent serious but rare problems such as rheumatic fever in children. What are the risks of taking antibiotics for sore throat?Antibiotics may cause side effects, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and skin rashes. Besides side effects, there are other good reasons not to use antibiotics unless you really need them.
How can you relieve a sore throat without antibiotics?Home treatment is often all you need to soothe a sore throat. Try these tips:
Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Why might your doctor recommend taking antibiotics for a sore throat?Your doctor may advise you to take antibiotics if you have strep throat, which is caused by bacteria. Antibiotics will only work if your sore throat is caused by bacteria. Your doctor will do a throat culture or a rapid strep test to find out if you have strep throat. 2. Compare your options
Personal storiesPersonal stories about taking antibiotics for sore throatThese stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. "I was sick a lot as a kid, and I was always taking medicine. Maybe it helped at the time. But in the past few years, when I've gotten a bad sore throat or sinus infection, antibiotics haven't worked. I've had to try two or three different ones each time. That gets expensive. The next time I get a sore throat, I'm going to try just staying home, resting, and taking care of myself instead of taking antibiotics." — Jesse, 34 "My 8-year-old daughter got strep throat last month. I thought it was just a cold, and I kept her home from school for a few days. But she wasn't getting better and she felt so miserable. I was also worried about ear infections. She gets a lot of those too. The doctor did a strep test and suggested she take antibiotics. Amy started feeling better a few days later. I think antibiotics were the right way to go this time." — Marla, 39 "My insurance doesn't pay for all of my medicines, so I try to make sure I really need the ones I do take. The last time I had a bad cold, my throat got really sore. The pain made it hard for me to swallow. I called my doctor's office and the nurse said I could come in if I felt I needed a prescription. I thought I'd wait and see instead. I took ibuprofen and drank a lot of tea and honey, and in a few days I felt better. I'm glad I didn't spend the money on a doctor visit and medicine." — Esther, 42 "I'm pretty healthy most of the time, but this past winter I got sick. I was down for 3 or 4 days. It turns out I had an infection in my throat and tonsils. The doctor thought I should take antibiotics because of my age and health. And I wanted to get over it as soon as possible so I could go back to my volunteer job at the local hospital. I think the medicine helped me get back on my feet just a little sooner than if I hadn't taken it." — George, 79 3. What matters most to you?Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. Reasons to take antibiotics for a sore throat Reasons not to take antibiotics for a sore throat I want to take medicine even if there's only a chance it will help me get well faster. I may not want to take medicine if it won't help me get well faster. More important Equally important More important I'm worried about my sore throat turning into an ear infection or sinus infection. I'm not worried about my sore throat turning into an ear infection or sinus infection. More important Equally important More important I'm not worried about the risk of taking antibiotics too often. I'm worried about the risks of taking antibiotics too often. More important Equally important More important I've had a sore throat for more than a week, and it's not getting better. I've had a sore throat for just a few days. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important 4. Where are you leaning now?Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. Taking antibiotics NOT taking antibiotics Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward 5. What else do you need to make your decision?Check the facts1.
You're right. Most of the time, sore throats go away on their own. It may take a few days or up to a week, depending on the cause. 2.
You're right. Taking antibiotics too often or when you don't need them can be harmful and costly. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it. 3.
You're right. Most sore throats are caused by a virus, such as a cold. Antibiotics won't work for sore throats caused by a virus. Decide what's next1.
2.
3.
Certainty1. Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2.
3. Credits
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version. Can your body heal itself from strep throat?Strep throat typically goes away within three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. If strep throat is not treated with antibiotics, you may be contagious for two to three weeks and at a higher risk for complications such as rheumatic fever.
What happens if strep throat is untreated?If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.
What kills strep throat naturally?Herbal teas, such as green tea, clove, chamomile, raspberry and peppermint tea maybe a great choice for managing strep throat infection. They may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects to help fight the infection and relieve pain.
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