 Appropriate antibiotics decrease the average 3 – 5 day duration of symptoms by about one day , and also reduce <unk> . They are primarily prescribed to reduce rare complications such as rheumatic fever and peritonsillar abscess . The arguments in favour of antibiotic treatment should be balanced by the consideration of possible side effects , and it is reasonable to suggest that no antimicrobial treatment be given to healthy adults who have adverse reactions to medication . Antibiotics are prescribed for strep throat at a higher rate than would be expected from its prevalence . 
