Why are antibiotics prescribed less frequently for pharyngitis according to current guidelines?

Antibiotics are prescribed less frequently for pharyngitis primarily because viral infections are the most common cause of this condition. Current clinical guidelines emphasize that the majority of pharyngitis cases, especially in children and adolescents, are due to viral pathogens such as rhinoviruses and adenoviruses. Since antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections—most notably Group A Streptococcus in the case of bacterial pharyngitis—prescribing them for viral infections would not be beneficial.

Guidelines advocate for a judicious approach to antibiotic use to combat antibiotic resistance, support appropriate treatment protocols, and promote better patient outcomes. This understanding has led to recommendations that reserve antibiotic prescriptions for specific diagnoses, particularly when there is evidence of bacterial infection, thereby reducing unnecessary antibiotic usage and its associated risks.