How can we distinguish between strep throat and a virus.  There are four characteristics that greatly increase the likelihood that your sore throat is due to strep infection.  These are fever, swollen lymph nodes in the front of the throat, white patches on the tonsils, and lack of cough.  If all four are present, a strep test is not even necessary and the illness should be treated with antibiotics.  If less than four of the characteristics are present, a strep test may be indicated.

In a very small percentage of cases, the rapid strep test is unreliable and a culture is needed to make the diagnosis of strep throat.  In the circumstance where the rapid strep test is negative, a culture will also be drawn.  The results are returned 48 hours later.  If positive at that time, antibiotics will become necessary.

Time is the solution to a viral sore throat.  Warm salt water gargles can help as can throat lozenges and pain medications including motrin, tylenol, and stronger pain medications like vicodin or percoc