I think I have strep throat?

When strep causes swallowing to be painful, that is the time to get antibiotics. Strep should be treated with antibiotics as it can lead to other serious infections. You can wait with other infections like ear and sinuses - these often clear up on their own and there is little risk to waiting. But strep is different. There is always the chance that the infection in your throat is viral. A doc can tell you with a throat swab. In the meantime you may want to gargle with mouthwash to kill the bacteria, if it is present.