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A member asked:

I got dx w/pharingitis. the strep test was negative, but the np went ahead and rx a z-pak. if this were viral and not bacterial, would meds harm me?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Excellent question: There are 2 points I wish to make. First, if you have a viral infection, placing you on an antibiotic may be harmful because you are killing off "good" bacteria in the nasopharynx. Secondly, azithromycin is not a good choice for UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS because this drug is not effective against NTHI. Finally, a rapid strep test only rules out Strep. A regular throat culture better.

Answered 2/24/2018

3.3k views

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