Acute pharyngitis due to GAS infection can be differentiated from a viral sore throat by the presence of high temperature (>38degC),swollen cervical lymph nodes,swollen tonsils with or without exudate (pus),and the absence of a cough or coryza (runny nose,etc.). High-risk groups and those with confirmed GAS infection are treated with a 10-day course of oral penicllin or amoxicillin.there is evidence that as long as therapy starts within nine days of the onset or symptoms,the risk of progression to ARF is minimised.