Awake, bored, and in the 6th day of a sore throat...

[randomness]

...so I'm googling for useful information.

http://www.ncemi.org/cse/cse0312.htm looks particularly useful:

"The general public knows to see a doctor for a sore throat, but the actual benefit of this visit is unclear. Rheumatic fever is a sequela of about 1% of group A streptococcal infections, and only about 10% of sore throats seen by physicians represent group A streptococcal infections. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is usually a self- limiting illness and is not prevented with antibiotic treatment. Penicillin therapy does avoid acute rheumatic fever and may sometimes reduce symptoms or shorten the course of a sore throat. Antibiotics probably inhibit progress of the infection into tonsillitis, peritonsillar and retropharyngeal abscesses, adenitis, and pneumonia."

Personally, my suspicion is that it's viral. Annoying, but it ought to deal with itself in a couple more days.

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In the meantime, I'm bored, awake, and wishing I'd set up some instant messaging client. Then again, I don't know where anyone is, and it's likely most everyone is asleep. Well, if they have sense, they are. :)

bedfull_o_books is comfortably tucked in bed in another room, and I'm within earshot if she needs anything, so that's all set.

I'd post more food and lodging info but I'm too groggy to write clearly. I'm up to chatter but there's no one to chat with.

I'm a little worried about some of the friends on my friends list but again, if they have sense they're asleep.

I'd sleep, but I went to bed last night about 9, and woke up recently after nearly 8 hours of sleep. Moreover, I pretty much did nothing except sleep, wash, buy food, eat, and go to the bathroom yesterday, so lack of sleep has not been a problem lately.

Comments

[r-ness.livejournal.com]

So, it is the rheumatic fever and other complications that are the reasoning behind going to the doctor.

Yup, in fact, I already knew that. The real question, which this particular page did a great job of answering, was what the level of risk was, and how much time one had. Long ago, I'd heard the 3-4 day number you mention, but recently I'd been hearing 7-10 days.

I'd thought about asking my friends list but searching the web seemed like a better idea. I'm glad, too, because this page is full of useful info, like: "Treatment may begin up to nine days after symptoms and still prevent rheumatic fever." and "You can decide later whether you really need to plant the culture."

My suspicion is that the thinking on this subject is evolving because of antibiotic overuse.

In any case, I'm glad I waited, because as we approach day 7 the sore throat appears to be going away on its own.