Two validated scores for acute sore throat. Tick what's present; antibiotic guidance updates live. Use clinical judgement — exclude red flags (stridor, drooling, trismus, severe unilateral pain/quinsy, immunocompromise).
Antibiotic choice (if indicated): phenoxymethylpenicillin (Pen V) 500 mg QDS 10 days; penicillin allergy → clarithromycin. Avoid amoxicillin if glandular fever is possible (rash). Consider a backup/delayed prescription for intermediate scores.
Educational use only. These scores estimate streptococcal likelihood and support — but do not replace — clinical judgement or local antimicrobial-stewardship guidance. They are not validated for <3 years, immunocompromise, or suspected deep-space infection (quinsy, epiglottitis). Verify management against your local guidelines.