Is strep throat bacterial or viral?

Bacterial: Due to a streptococcus, usually strep group a. Most sore thrats are due to viruses, which should not be treated with antibiotics. A rapid strep test and/or culture can help diagnose strep throat, to determine whether antibiotics are indicated.

Bacterial: It is a bacterial disease.Untreated strep throat in rare cases can cause serious complications. These include rheumatic heart disease which generally is permanent damage. There is a window of a week or so where treatment with appropriate antibiotics will prevent this problem. See your doctor for proper diagnosis

Bacteruak: Group A streptococcal is the germ associated with strep throat and the one the rapid test kit in your MDs office tests for. It is often a self limiting disease and if the symptoms aren't too bad try to let it run its course. Antibiotics can help improve symptoms and reduce contagiousness but are not always necessary. Consult your MD to determine which course is best for your situation.