SORE THROAT

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Don’t rush to use antibiotic when you have sore throat (pharyngitis). Most sore throats are of viral etiology. Only about 15% to 30% of cases in children and up to 10% of cases in adults are true strep throat. Viral sore throat is accompanied by cough, runny nose, or diarrhea. Symptomatic management of non-strep sore throats include acetaminophen or ibuprofen, gargle with warm salt water or ice water; throat lozenges, hard candy or ice. Runny nose can be controlled by antihistamine. Symptoms of strep throat include sudden onset of sore throat, tonsillitis with pus, swollen neck/glands, history of fever, and NO cough, runny nose, or diarrhea.