My wife has just gotten over a bacterial virus with the help of an antibiotic. i think i have it now. throat feels scratchy, red and with drainage and a nagging cough. started last night. scratchy throat and cough?

No antibiotic needed: FYI, there are bacteria and viruses, but no such thing as a "bacterial virus". The large majority of colds like your wife had, and your symptoms are typical, are due to viruses, which are not helped by antibiotics. Your wife probably was going to improve just as quickly with or without the antibiotic, and you probably dont need one. But check with your doctor if uncertain. Good luck.