Sore throat

Current Care Summary
Working group appointed by the Finnish Medical Society Duodecim, the Finnish Association for Central Practice, the Finnish Otolaryngological Society, Infectious Diseases Society of Finland and the Clinical Microbiologists Society
11.6.2020

Current Care Guideline «Nielutulehdus»1 and Summary in Finnish «Nielutulehdus»2

Sore throat (pharyngitis) is typically a viral infection. Patients should be informed, that pharyngitis is usually a mild, self-healing condition. Centor-score is recommended to direct microbiological diagnosis. Rapid test for Streprococcus A is recommended for those with 3 or more Centor-scores (fever over 38°C, swollen submandibular lymph nodes, tonsillar exudate and no cough). If antibiotic is indicated, penicillin is the preferred choice, whereas first generation cephalosporins are recommended for those with penicillin allergy or recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis. Adequate pain medication is important. In epidemic situation the diagnostic test is throat swab.

Pekka Honkanen (Chair)

Johanna Wikstén

Hans Blomberg

Lauri Ivaska

Terhi Manner

Hannu Sarkkinen

Raija Sipilä