Careful Antibiotic use
Pharyngitis in children
- most sore throats are caused by viral agents
- clinical findings alone do not adequately distinguish Strep vs Non-Strep pharyngitis
- antigentests or culture should be positive before beginning antibiotic treatment
- if an antibiotic is prescribed:
- use a penicillin for group A Strep
- use macrolide if penicillin allergic