If the doctor prescribes antibiotics, make sure your child takes all of the medicine, as the doctor directs. Do not let your child stop taking the medicine just because he or she is feeling better. Dr. Cohen explained that patients who are prescribed antibiotics often feel better within a few days, but the bacteria can only be completely eliminated if all of the medicine is taken to ensure that symptoms do not return or get worse. There are many other causes of sore throat besides strep, and many of these do not require antibiotics. Further, using antibiotics that are not needed can cause antibiotic resistance.
Rheumatic fever is a relatively rare complication of strep throat.
It can arise if strep is not treated or if the full course of medication prescribed to treat it is not taken. Symptoms may include swollen joints, rash, and bumps under the skin. It can be serious, and can cause chronic heart problems.