Antibiotics for common sore throats have very limited effect on strep spread

Article excerpt

A University of Gothenburg study found that antibiotics prescribed for sore throats do almost nothing to prevent serious streptococcal infections from spreading through a population. The research challenges a common assumption behind prescribing practices, suggesting doctors should instead focus on quickly identifying warning signs of severe infection. The findings imply health systems may need to reconsider their approach to sore throat treatment and public health strategy around strep bacteria.