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Is It Normal To Develop White Splotches Post Antibiotic Treatment For Strep Throat?
Question: I was dx with strep yesterday around noon and started amox 3 xs per day for 10 days. I have had 5 doses and am about 18 hours out from starting amox. My throat is not as sore and my body aches have lessened. However, my throat looks disgusting. My right tonsil is covered in a white film. Yesterday my left tonsil was huge and red, but no white splotches. I have 2 questions - am I contagious until no symptoms including white splotches? and is it normal to develop white splotches after starting antibiotics?
Brief Answer:
Probably not contagious but can't be certain
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
regarding your first question: taking amoxicillin is supposed to make you non-contagious after 24 hours IF a susceptible streptococcus is the cause. Otherwise it depends on the pathogen. If it's viral for example then you're very much contagious because amoxicillin won't affect the virus. If you've taken amoxicillin again recently then the pathogen (if it's bacterial) may be resistant to amoxicillin. So the answer is that you can't be 100% sure if you're contagious or not.
Regarding your second question: IF the cause is bacterial then taking antibiotics may reduce the symptoms but only modestly. Sore throat and white tonsils get better and fully recover even without antibiotics. The antibiotics will just make it happen 1-2 days earlier and prevent complications. So the answer is that the disease follows its course and it's very common to see the white spots 24-48 hours after the initiation of the symptoms. Of course, if it's viral, taking amoxicillin will do no harm to the virus, as I've already pointed out before.
I hope I've been clear enough!
If you'd like further clarifications, please ask.
I'll be glad to answer!
Kind Regards!
Probably not contagious but can't be certain
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
regarding your first question: taking amoxicillin is supposed to make you non-contagious after 24 hours IF a susceptible streptococcus is the cause. Otherwise it depends on the pathogen. If it's viral for example then you're very much contagious because amoxicillin won't affect the virus. If you've taken amoxicillin again recently then the pathogen (if it's bacterial) may be resistant to amoxicillin. So the answer is that you can't be 100% sure if you're contagious or not.
Regarding your second question: IF the cause is bacterial then taking antibiotics may reduce the symptoms but only modestly. Sore throat and white tonsils get better and fully recover even without antibiotics. The antibiotics will just make it happen 1-2 days earlier and prevent complications. So the answer is that the disease follows its course and it's very common to see the white spots 24-48 hours after the initiation of the symptoms. Of course, if it's viral, taking amoxicillin will do no harm to the virus, as I've already pointed out before.
I hope I've been clear enough!
If you'd like further clarifications, please ask.
I'll be glad to answer!
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
thank you
Brief Answer:
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
... and a speedy recovery!
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
... and a speedy recovery!
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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