Common mistakes in treating sore throat Avoid expensive throat sprays or throat lozenges. Do not use leftover antibiotics from siblings or friends. Antibiotics help only strep throats. They have no effect on viruses, and they can cause harm. They also make it difficult to find out what is wrong if you become sicker.
Rapid strep tests Rapid strep tests are helpful only when their results are positive.
Avoid rapid strep tests performed in shopping malls or at home because they tend to be inaccurate. You are having difficulty breathing. You are feeling very sick. To make an appointment for a throat culture. A throat culture is probably not necessary if your throat is just mildly sore AND the main symptom is croup, hoarseness, or a cough.