Sometimes this can take two weeks or more. Call your doctor if your illness gets worse after two weeks. The answer to this question is complicated. The answer depends on the specific diagnosis. They can't be cured with antibiotics.
Symptoms can last two weeks or more.
These are almost always caused by viruses. However, if you have a lung condition or the illness lasts a long time, your infection may actually be caused by bacteria instead of a virus. Your doctor may decide to try treatment with an antibiotic. Strep throat is caused by bacteria and requires treatment with antibiotics. A throat swab and a lab test are needed before your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic for a sore throat.