I study medicine, so perhaps am able to shed a little light onto the subject for you, as there do seem to be some odd suggestions flying around.
Your infection is either viral or bacterial. There is no difference in management of the illness whether it is caused by a virus or bacteria. There is no indication to use any investigation to identify a causative organism (most investigations are not very sensitive and there is no use in knowing anyway). Antibiotics are not routinely indicated and evidence suggest that their use confers no faster relief of symptoms (and may even prolong the illness).
Acetominophen (e.g. Tylenol) is useful and will help to relieve pain. A standard dose should prove adequate and is safe.
Drinking sensible amounts of water is a probably a good idea but isn't shown to reduce the symptoms in any way. Don't overdo the water as you can effectively explode your kidneys or make your brain swell up. Both of those are bad situations. 1.5 litres a day should suffice, unless you are sweating a lot.
Avoiding excessive use of the voice will ease symptoms, as will avoiding smoky atmospheres and controlling any seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms. Don't sing too much, and don't attempt any crazy belting.
You may find a warm lemon and honey infusion soothing (and both have antiseptic activity) but there is little good quality evidence to suggest their use in a medical context.
You might be interested to read
http://www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/fulltext/34/section5.html which is a site that looks at all the research done on a topic and then draws conclusions based on the available quality literature.
I'm curious as to why you have been prescribed antibiotics though... I'm not saying it's wrong, just unusual.
"Jane, I've been dealt a blow - I've been dealt a blow, Jane."
Updated On: 7/9/05 at 01:59 AM
