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Clinical reference calculator Β· GeraClinic

FeverPAIN Sore Throat Score Calculator

FeverPAIN scores five features of a sore throat (Fever, Purulence, Attend rapidly, Inflamed tonsils, No cough/coryza) from 0 to 5 to estimate the chance of streptococcus and guide antibiotic decisions.

Quick answer

FeverPAIN scores five sore-throat features β€” Fever in the last 24 hours, Purulent tonsils, Attend rapidly (within 3 days), severely Inflamed tonsils, and No cough or coryza β€” each worth 1 point. NICE NG84 links the total to streptococcus likelihood: 0–1 low (no antibiotic), 2–3 moderate (back-up prescription), 4–5 higher.

FeverPAIN criteria

0/ 5

~13–18% likelihood of streptococcus β€” antibiotic not recommended (NICE NG84).

A FeverPAIN of 0. Under NICE NG84, higher scores raise the chance of streptococcus and shift the antibiotic decision from none, to a back-up/delayed prescription, to an immediate antibiotic if symptoms are severe. The prescriber decides.

Validated formula

1 point for each present feature (maximum 5): Fever in last 24h; Purulence on tonsils; Attend rapidly (≀3 days from onset); severely Inflamed tonsils; No cough or coryza.

Interpretation

  • 0–1β€” ~13–18% likelihood of streptococcus β€” antibiotic not recommended (NICE NG84).
  • 2–3β€” ~34–40% likelihood of streptococcus β€” consider a back-up/delayed antibiotic prescription.
  • 4–5β€” ~62–65% likelihood of streptococcus β€” consider an immediate antibiotic if symptoms severe.

How to use the FeverPAIN calculator

  1. 1Tick the five features. Tick fever in the previous 24 hours, pus on the tonsils, rapid attendance (symptoms 3 days or less), severely inflamed tonsils, and absence of cough or coryza.
  2. 2Read the score. The tool totals the points from 0 to 5.
  3. 3Use it with NICE guidance. 0–1 suggests no antibiotic, 2–3 suggests a back-up or delayed prescription, and 4–5 suggests considering an immediate antibiotic if symptoms are severe β€” a clinician decides.

Medical disclaimer: This is general health information, not medical advice. It does not diagnose or treat any condition, and the results are estimates based on public reference formulas. Always consult a qualified doctor about your individual health. If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

What FeverPAIN score needs antibiotics?βŒ„

Under NICE NG84, 0–1 generally needs no antibiotic, 2–3 may warrant a delayed (back-up) prescription, and 4–5 may warrant an immediate antibiotic if symptoms are severe. The prescriber makes the final decision.

How does FeverPAIN compare with the Centor/McIsaac score?βŒ„

Both estimate the chance of a streptococcal sore throat to guide antibiotic use. FeverPAIN was derived in UK primary care and is recommended by NICE; Centor/McIsaac is the older, widely used alternative.

Does a high FeverPAIN score confirm strep throat?βŒ„

No. It only estimates the probability. A rapid antigen test or throat swab can confirm streptococcus where needed, and a clinician interprets the result.

Sources & validation

This calculator reproduces the published FeverPAIN score, validated for likelihood of streptococcal sore throat and antibiotic decisions (NICE NG84).

Related clinical calculators

Centor / McIsaacCHAβ‚‚DSβ‚‚-VAScHAS-BLED

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