From the Research
Neither prednisone 20mg twice daily nor 50mg once daily for 5 days is recommended for viral pharyngitis. Corticosteroids like prednisone are not effective for viral pharyngitis and are not indicated for this condition 1. Viral pharyngitis is self-limiting and typically resolves within 7-10 days with supportive care alone. The appropriate management includes:
- Rest
- Adequate hydration
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for symptom relief
- Throat lozenges or warm salt water gargles to soothe throat discomfort Using corticosteroids for viral infections provides no benefit and may potentially suppress the immune system, which could theoretically prolong viral shedding or increase the risk of secondary infections 2, 3. If symptoms are severe or persist beyond 10 days, or if there are concerns about bacterial infection (such as strep throat), medical evaluation is recommended for appropriate diagnosis and treatment 4, 5.