I always got pus on my tonsils and throat -- even so bad they would sometimes break open and bleed - and I needed antibiotics. It was NEVER Strep!
The last time it happened my doctor almost had me admitted into the hospital I was so bad off (trouble breathing my throat was so swollen). It was NOT Strep! But I still needed antibiotics!! They usually give me a shot right in the office and strong ones in pill form. One time I even needed corticosteroids.
So what was it this last time? The bacteria was Moraxella catarrhalis.
When I started college I remember the very stupid doctors at the clinic saying they would not give antibiotics if it was not Strep. They were firm - if was not strep "it must be viral".... ummmm... no! And they could have killed me! I'd have to go elsewhere and every other doctor would say something like "OH MY GOD!!!" and give me a shot of penicillin on the spot!