Introduction A sore throat is a very common complaint, often caused by viral infections, dry air, or allergies. In most cases, it improves on its own. However, sometimes a sore throat may be due to strep throat, a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS). Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications and reduce the spread of infection. Knowing when to seek a strep test can help you get the right treatment quickly and avoid unnecessary antibiotics when the cause is non-bacterial. This article explains the symptoms that signal strep throat, how testing is…