I have strep throat symptoms, but my doctor took mouth swabs and i was negative. any ideas?

Several possibilitie: Chris, There are several possibilities. A strep screen is about 80-85% accurate. Strep is therefore still a slight possibility. More likely is a viral pharyngitis, which would cause the same symptoms, usually last 5-7 days, then get better on its own. Lastly, you could have mono, if you haven't before. In that case, it would last 6 weeks. If it doesn't go away in a week see your doctor.