<prompt> Answer this question truthfullyWhat is the CENTOR criteria used for the diagnosis of sore throat and differentiating between viral and strep infections?  <response>: <reason> The CENTOR criteria is a diagnostic tool used for the diagnosis of sore throat and differentiating between viral and strep infections. It is based on the presence or absence of five clinical features: C absent cough, E tonsillar exudates, N anterior cervical lymphadenopathy or node, T fever or temperature, and OR age. The age criterion is either under 15 years 1 or over 44 years -1. If a patient has three or more of these criteria, then they are more likely to have a strep infection and may require further testing or treatment. However, if the patient has fewer than three criteria, then a viral infection is more likely and antibiotics may not be necessary. The CENTOR criteria can help clinicians make a more accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use. 