Antibiotics help quickly.
Strep throat is treated with antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin (for those who are allergic to penicillin). Antibiotics help to:
- Shorten the duration of the disease;
- Decrease symptoms;
- Prevent serious complications;
- Prevent people around you from getting infected.
Carriers of the infection (people who are positive for strep but have no symptoms) don’t need antibiotics and are less likely to spread the bacteria or get complications. A carrier might get a sore throat caused by a virus. In this case they will have a positive rapid strep test, but will not respond to treatment with antibiotics. Talk to your doctor if you suspect you are a strep carrier.
Someone with a strep throat is expected to feel better in a day or two after starting antibiotics. Be sure to consult your doctor if you are not feeling better within 48 hours. [3]
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