When Do You Need Antibiotics for a Sore Throat

One of the most common reasons people see a healthcare provider is for a sore throat that’s caused by a virus. But, in cases where a fever accompanies a sore throat, a bacterial infection like strep throat is most likely the cause and requires medical attention with antibiotic treatment.

So how do you know when you need OTC medication or antibiotics for your sore throat? Let’s look at the common causes of sore throats - when you can try to take care of it yourself, and when you should see a healthcare provider.

Causes of a sore throat

Viruses that cause the common cold and flu also cause most instances of having a sore throat. In addition to viruses and bacteria, conditions like straining your voice, dry air, smoking, acid reflux, and allergies can also cause a sore throat. Most of these can be treated with OTC medication and simple home remedies. Antibiotics, on the other hand, only help when sore throats are caused by bacteria, such as strep throat.

Symptoms of strep throat

Should I see your healthcare provider to get a strep test? The symptoms you are experiencing will give you an important clue.

Common symptoms and signs of strep throat are:

·Sore throat that starts suddenly

·Intense pain with swallowing

·Fever

·Tiny red spots on the back of the throat and white patchy spots on the tonsils

·Tender lymph nodes

Treatment for sore throat pain

If you have strep throat, a saltwater gargle and drinking plenty of hot and cold liquids can soothe sore throat until the antibiotics start to kick in (usually around 24 to 48 hours).

When it comes to medication to treat pain associated with sore throats, you can choose from pain relief tablets and syrups. There are also topical anaesthetics that numb the throat such as lozenges, throat rinses, and sprays which can give you instant relief.

Our pick for the best lozenges to soothe sore throat pain:

·Covonia Cough Lozenges Original 51G

·Covonia Sugar Free Cough Lozenge Org 30G

·Fisherman's Friend Honey & Lemon S/Free 25G

·Fishermans Friend Aniseed 25GM

·Fishermans Friend Blackcurrant S/Free 25GM

·Fisherman’s Friend Cherry Low Sugar 25GM

For the best OTC sore throat medicine, you can visit any of our Pearl Chemist Group branches. Our friendly staff will advise you onthe best medicine suited for your condition.

You can also shop online and have the medicines delivered to your door.