emDocs - December 02, 2019 - Author: Cisewski D - Reviewed by: Long B and Koyfman A
"The Upshot
The majority of sore throat is viral. Although the historical incidence of ARF and its correlation to strep pharyngitis has led many to believe an antibiotic regimen is necessary to prevent consequential sequelae, no definitive community-based data has ever supported this claim. Unfortunately due to the rarity of ARF in the United States it seems unlikely that such a study will ever be formally conducted. However, correlative data leaves us with an NNT that many would argue does not justify the added risks associated with an antibiotic regimen. For patients in whom symptoms remain the major concern, consider a cocktail of dexamethasone, acetaminophen/ibuprofen, and buckwheat honey instead."