Medicine: Antibiotics make little difference to a sore throat
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Prescribing antibiotics for sore throats makes little difference to how quickly they disappear, according to a paper in the British Medical Journal, published today. A total of 716 "sore throat" patients were divided into three groups: the first was given a 10-day prescription for antibiotics; the second was given nothing; and the third group was given a prescription if the symptoms did not start to settle after three days.
The proportion of patients better by day three did not differ significantly between the three groups, nor did the length of their illness, days off work or school, or the (high) proportion of patients satisfied. More than two-thirds of patients in group three did not use their prescription.
The authors of the study, at Southampton University's Faculty of Medicine, conclude that unless patients with sore throats are very ill, doctors should avoid prescribing antibiotics - or offer antibiotics only if symptoms persist.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments