After having a sore throat for over a week, is it too late to have a throat culture done for strep throat? my two grandsons have strep throat?

Sore : Sore throat is a fairly common symptom associated with many illnesses. Most of the time it resolves on its own without any other issues. Occasionally it can be due to something more serious that needs treatment. Reasons to seek care are: - any fever - since it could be strep and you can't tell without an exam/testing - if it lasts longer than 3 or 4 days - any difficulty opening your mouth - unable to swallow - severe pain - bleeding in the throat - redness or swelling on the outside of the neck - any difficulty breathing or noisy breathing since their sore throats have been going on for a week, they should see their doctor. As long as they still have symptoms, it is not too late for a throat culture. In the meantime, taking Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen for pain, drinking plenty of fluids such as hot tea/broth or cold liquids and a spoonful of honey can help.

No: You can have a quick test done in the office with relatively accurate results almost immediately. A culture can also be done as backup.When you are treated within 10 days of first symptoms the known bad side effects of untreated strep can be stopped. If not you run these risks and can be a continuous carrier of the germ.