Will I Be Non-Infectious by Next Thursday After Starting Penicillin V?
I began taking Penicillin V for a severe case of pharyngitis on Friday, and my treatment involves 500 mg doses twice daily for a total of ten days, alongside a three-day course of 100 mg prednisolone to help with inflammation. After consulting with my general practitioner, who repeatedly assured me that it’s not quinsy, I now have to consider a personal matter. I'm planning to engage in an intimate relationship next Thursday, a week into my antibiotic treatment. Will I still be infectious by that point? Here are some details about me: - **Age**: 32 - **Sex**: Male - **Height**: 183 cm - **Weight**: 85 kg - **Ethnic Background**: White - **Duration of the Issue**: The date in question is seven days after I start treatment, equating to fourteen doses of antibiotics consumed before that Thursday night. - **Location**: Australia - **Pre-existing Health Conditions**: None noted - **Current Medication**: Taking Panadol to manage symptoms of pharyngitis.
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 9:50:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to want to clarify your infectious status after starting Penicillin V for pharyngitis, especially with your intimate plans coming up. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Points: Based on the standard treatment for bacterial pharyngitis, you are likely to be non-infectious within 24-48 hours after starting antibiotics, provided you are responding well to treatment. By next Thursday, you will have been on the antibiotic for a week, which should significantly lower your risk of transmitting the infection.
Explanation: Pharyngitis caused by bacterial infection, such as streptococcus, is typically contagious until you've been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours. Since you've begun treatment on Friday and have taken your doses consistently, you should see a decrease in symptoms and a lower risk of infecting others. Symptoms including fever, sore throat, and any visible signs of infection tend to improve with the help of antibiotics.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to how you feel leading up to Thursday. If your symptoms have significantly improved and you don't have a fever, your risk of being contagious is much lower.
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Maintain Hygiene Practices: Continue practicing good hygiene—handwashing and avoiding close contact with others until you're symptom-free. This ensures you're mindful of any lingering possibility of being contagious.
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Communicate Openly: Consider discussing your recent illness with your partner to keep transparency in your relationship. This can foster understanding and shared decision-making regarding intimacy.
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Reassess If Needed: If you develop new symptoms or if your condition worsens, consider extending hygiene precautions or consulting your healthcare provider for tailored advice.
By following these steps and observing your progress, you should feel more confident about your infectious status by next Thursday. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask.
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