Sore throat

[Scarlett]

I have had a throat infection for several weeks. I finally got some antibiotics (the Doc previously said it was viral, gave me nothing, and it got really bad). It seemed to improve on antibiotics but now I am at the end of a 5 day course, and my throat is sore and hurting again.
What should I do- (as I am a singing teacher I need my voice to be functioning!)- do people have more antibiotics when this happens? Or are you only allowed one "dose" and then have to put up with it?

[MrXLA]

If the infection is viral then it will most likley be self limiting i.e. you will cure it yourself
If it is an infection of bacterial origin one would expect it to respond to a broad spectrum antibiotic, chances are if it didn't then it is viral in nature
You could take analgesics and other preparations to ease the symptoms
If your doctor is fairly sure the infection is bacterial then I don't see why they would not be willing to give you a further course of antibiotics but that would be down to their clinical judgement and the signs and symptoms you present with

[Whoever]

These persistent sore throats can be a real misery, especially in your case where your living depends on needing to have your voice in functioning order. If the antibiotics seemed to improve thjings, even temporarily, I'd suggest going back to see whether you can be given a stronger or different antibiotic because I believe there are "general" ones, and some which are more specific. Could the soreness be due to some other reason such as acid reflux which can sometimes aggravate the condition? In this case, liquid Gaviscon might help. Also some good anti inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen tablets might ease the soreness.

[pusspuss]

if your throat is still sore you may need another course of tablets, you should go back to see your doctor

[rabbitygirl]

Get yourself a quality bottle of Tea Tree Oil. A drop or 2 in water and gargle well, making sure the back of your throat gets properly slooshed.

Tea Tree Oil is antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic etc., etc., and every home should have a bottle and know how to use it.

Do not drink for a while after gargling and let the oil left on the throat do its job. Do a couple or several times a day. Perfectly safe. Try not to go on too many courses of antibiotics.