Question: I've had a sore throat for about 9 days. During this period I have had either no or a very low fever (less than 100F). I'm not home so 5 days ago I went to a CVS Minute Clinic for evaluation. The rapid strep screening was negative, and I was informed the sore throat was most likely caused by allergies and the significant clear post nasal drainage into the back of my throat. I did not notice any significant allergy issues before going to the clinic (e.g. sneezing, runny nose, etc.). Medications started included chlorpheniramine or Chlor-trimeton (4 mg), guaiFENesin or Mucinex (600 mg), loratadine or Claritin (10 mg), and phenylephrine or Sudefed (10 mg). I also started gargling with warm salt water.

My throat is only slightly better than when I went to the Minute Clinic 4 days ago, so I'm still experiencing discomfort when I swallow, some redness at the back of the throat, inflammation of the tonsils, and some discoloration on my tongue (slight color but almost an off white) that can be partially removed by brushing. I understand most sore throats are caused by a virus and antibiotics will not help, but beginning to wonder if I need antibiotics since this condition has persisted for 9 days.

Is this recovery period typical, should I revisit the clinic, or should I continue the meds, rest, and avoiding throat irritation? I'm out of town until this Friday so can't see my primary physician until next week, and looking for a second opinion. correction I visited a Practitioner at the CVS Minute CLinic.to clarify the fever: generally not running a fever, and the infrequent fever has been lower range of 99 (e.g. 99.2, 99.1)