02115 Throat infections can be caused by either a virus or bacteria.
Viral infections resolve on their own over time.
Antibiotics will not work against viral infections. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, do require antibiotic medications for treatment. A throat culture is a test that detects bacterial infections. Laboratory analysis of a throat culture requires one to three days. If the throat culture results are positive and your child has not already been treated with the proper medication, we will call you.