Introduction A sore throat is often shrugged off as a minor inconvenience. But when the culprit is Group A Streptococcus (GAS)—the bacteria responsible for strep throat—it can lead to serious consequences if not properly treated. Among these is rheumatic fever, a rare but potentially life-threatening inflammatory disease that can damage the heart, joints, brain, and skin. Antibiotics are the cornerstone of strep throat treatment. While they help reduce discomfort and contagiousness, their most important role is preventing complications like rheumatic fever. This article explores why timely antibiotic treatment for strep throat is crucial, how it works, and what happens if…