Simply put: It's not recommended to take antibiotics directly for a sore throat.

Although we often habitually treat antibiotics as "anti-inflammatory drugs," this is actually a very common misconception. Taking antibiotics randomly not only may be ineffective, but could also cause you to develop drug resistance.

Below, I've organized why you shouldn't randomly take antibiotics for a "sore throat," and what you can do now:

1. Why aren't antibiotics the first choice?
• Different targets: Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria. But over 80% of sore throats and throat pain are caused by viruses (such as colds and flu), and antibiotics are completely ineffective against viruses.
• Not a painkiller: Antibiotics themselves have no pain relief or direct anti-inflammatory effects. If it's caused by allergies, dryness, or viral infection, taking antibiotics will only increase the burden on your liver and kidneys.
• Risk of side effects: Taking antibiotics randomly will kill the beneficial bacteria in your body, potentially leading to diarrhea and fungal infections. The most serious consequence is that when you actually need antibiotics to save your life in the future, bacteria have already developed resistance.

2. When do you actually need antibiotics?
Only when a doctor diagnoses a **"bacterial infection"** (for example: streptococcal pharyngitis) is it necessary. Bacterial infections are usually accompanied by the following symptoms:
• High fever (above 38.5°C).
• Obvious white pus spots appearing on the tonsils.
• Enlarged lymph nodes with tenderness.
• No cough or runny nose or other typical cold symptoms.

3. Recommended measures for a sore throat
If it's just simple throat itchiness, you can first try the following safer and more effective methods: