Should i go back to the doctor?!
Question: last monday, i went to the doctor with sore throat, headache, etc. he gave me some allergy meds and said it was probably just a virus, to call on thursday if i wasnt better, i called thursday and he called in a z-pak for me. tomorrow is my last day of the antibiotics and if anything my throat is getting worse, it is very red and has a lot of pus. so, should i call and schedule another appointment with my doctor or just wait for a few more days? if you can tell my why wait or why call that would be great.
Answers: last monday, i went to the doctor with sore throat, headache, etc. he gave me some allergy meds and said it was probably just a virus, to call on thursday if i wasnt better, i called thursday and he called in a z-pak for me. tomorrow is my last day of the antibiotics and if anything my throat is getting worse, it is very red and has a lot of pus. so, should i call and schedule another appointment with my doctor or just wait for a few more days? if you can tell my why wait or why call that would be great.
If the Z-pack didn't fix the problem, yes, you should go to the doctor again.
The general rule is: If I have any doubt, then yes, I should go to the doctor.
You may have a virus, which the Z-pack (or any other antibiotic) wouldn't treat. You may have a bacteria that is resistant or immune to azithromycin
(the ingredient in the Z-pack that works). IT could also be fungal or something fun like that. The presence of pus makes me think that is bacterial.
When you see the doctor, insist on a throat swab and a "C&S", or Culture and Sensitivity Test. Ask to see the C&S when it comes in (3-4 days...they are self explanatory). Ask you doctor if he has a reason to not order Bactrim or Rocephin while you are waiting for the results of the C&S.
I'd say go back. I'm not a doctor, but I've had strep throat a number of times, and that's what it looks and feels like (red/pus/sore). Maybe the antibiotics you were given weren't the right ones for clearing up strep. Go back and get reassessed.
defiantly go back
it sounds like you have strep, and if they didnt give you antibotics for strep, then the ones you are on wont help. go back to your doctor and get it tested. it would be better than trying to deal with a painful throat
You can go back if you want but they will be unable to do a throat culture because you have been on antibiotics and it will come back negative anyway. The Z-pack can get rid of strep also, it is just not the ideal drug for strep. If you are worse, then this is all viral and you just need to treat the symptoms. Tylenol or ibuprofen on a regular basis, gargle with warm salt water and spit out, increase your water intake, rest and run a humidifier in the bedroom where you sleep. Expect this to take about 10 days to go away.