Which statement best reflects the proper management of streptococcal pharyngitis?

• A. The entire 10-day course of penicillin must be completed.
• B. The throat infection will likely resolve without antibiotics.
• C. Antibiotics are never necessary.
• D. Tonsillectomy is the first line of treatment.

Answer: (A)

Completing the full antibiotic course is essential when treating streptococcal pharyngitis because it fully eradicates the bacteria and prevents serious complications like acute rheumatic fever. Stopping early can allow the infection to persist or recur and prolong contagiousness, even if symptoms improve quickly. The standard duration of therapy is typically 10 days of penicillin (or an equivalent option if penicillin isn’t suitable), and finishing the entire course maximizes safety and effectiveness.

While some sore throats are viral and resolve without antibiotics, streptococcal pharyngitis is bacterial and should be treated with antibiotics when diagnosed or strongly suspected. Tonsillectomy is not first-line for acute streptococcal pharyngitis; it’s reserved for specific chronic or recurrent cases and not for initial management.