Question: I had a bout of bronchitis over the holidays (about 2 or 3 weeks ago) and got a Zpak which cleared it up. Yesterday I began having a sore throat and it is more painful today. No fever or other symptoms. Not sure whether i should take an antibiotic. I wonder whether it could be strep throat.

This is a follow up question to my prior inquiry. 4 days ago, I began having a sore throat and low energy but little or no fever and wondered whether I should take an antibiotic. The doctor noted that 80-95% of sore throats are viral, in which case an antibiotic would not help--and that "the small percentage of sore throats that are bacterial are usually strep. The doctor also stated that if the sore throat persists for 2-3 days it's possible that it is bacterial, in which case antibiotics may be needed. During the ensuing 3 days my sore throat persisted and worsened and I had coughing spells and post-nasal drip, but still little to no fever. So, yesterday, I began taking 500 mg Amoxicillin 3 times daily, and my sore throat improved substantially. I don't know whether I have strep or something else. And I wonder whether I should just continue with the Amoxicillin or take some other action. Please advise.
Explanation of probable diagnoses was timely, clear and informative. The recommended course of actoin (antibiotic treatment) for the less likely diagnosis (some sort of bacterial infection, most likely strep) could be more specific, e.g., is an examination for strep necessary or is a course of Amoxicillin sufficient?

Thanks so much doc! I really appreciate your input, and I'll be giving you the 5 stars you deserve!

Warm regards:-)