A member asked:

Sore throat, runny nose, malaise since 3 days!will resolve spontaneously if viral! how do i know for sure that it's viral & not bacterial? antibiotic?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Jay Park answered

Probably viral but..: Individuals with sore throat are more likely to have a viral etiology, especially if sore throat is associated with cough, runny nose, sneezing, or eye discharge. The only way to be sure is to get strep test. I would suggest try throat lozenze such as sucret until you see your primary care provider.

Answered 11/14/2012

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Resolving Strep/Uri: Both strep infection of the throat and/or uris will resolve in an otherwise healthy patient. Taking an appropriate antibiotic may shorten the course slightly, but know abx are intended to prevent the complications of strep eg, rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. Giving an abx to people with colds, green runny noses, a few days of sinus congestion isn't helpful and is potentially harmful.

Answered 7/26/2013

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