New guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America say most sore throats should not be treated with antibiotics, because they are brought on by a virus, not bacteria.
According to IDS, less than one third are actually due to strep, so you want to make sure that it is strep when you prescribe antibiotics because antibiotics won't work against the viruses.
The new guidelines recommend doctors do a strep test before prescribing antibiotics, and recommend against removing children's tonsils just because they suffer from recurring throat infections. Experts say in most cases, the risks of surgery are usually not worth it.
