[Update on current care guidelines: sore throat]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Context:

• Pharyngitis, commonly known as sore throat, is frequently a viral infection.
• Understanding the etiology of sore throat is crucial for appropriate patient management.

Purpose:

• To provide guidance on the diagnosis and management of sore throat (pharyngitis).
• To differentiate viral from bacterial pharyngitis and inform antibiotic stewardship.

Summary:

• Pharyngitis is typically self-limiting; however, throat swabs are advised for adults with specific clinical indicators (fever >38°C, lymphadenopathy, tonsillar exudate, no cough) and children under 15 presenting with any of these signs.
• Penicillin is the primary antibiotic choice for bacterial pharyngitis, with first-generation cephalosporins as an alternative for penicillin-allergic individuals.
• Empirical antibiotic treatment for high fever may be initiated before culture results, alongside adequate pain management.

Impact:

• Facilitates accurate diagnosis and reduces unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for viral pharyngitis.
• Improves patient outcomes through targeted treatment and effective symptom management.
• Supports antibiotic stewardship initiatives by defining criteria for antibiotic use in sore throat cases.