Sore Throats and Delayed Antibiotics
Key Information
The "Back-Up" Plan: You have been given a delayed prescription. Think of this like a fire extinguisher kept under the sink. It is there just in case a "fire" (bacterial infection) starts, but you likely won't need to use it.
Viral vs Bacterial: Most sore throats are caused by viruses, which your body fights off naturally. Antibiotics do not work on viruses.
The Goal: By waiting, you give your body the best chance to recover naturally, avoiding medication you don't need while having a safety net immediately available if things change.
If You Recover: If you start to feel better on your own (which is the best outcome), simply destroy the paper prescription or delete the electronic barcode from your app.
When to Start the Medication
You should only go to the pharmacy to collect or start taking the antibiotics if one of the following happens:
- No Improvement: You are not starting to feel any better at all after three full days.
- Getting Worse: You feel significantly worse before that time (eg your fever gets higher or the pain becomes much more severe).
Note: If you do start the antibiotics, you must finish the full course exactly as prescribed.
When to Seek Immediate Help
This strategy is not for severe illness. Please contact us at the link below if:
- You are unable to swallow fluids or saliva.
- You are having difficulty breathing.
- You become extremely unwell very suddenly.
Further Information
How to Look After Sore Throats at Home
For more advice on sore throats, please visit the NHS website.
Last reviewed: 27 April 2026
Next review due: 27 April 2029
Page created: 27 April 2026