Is my sore throat from COVID-19 or from strep throat? What’s the difference?
For starters, COVID-19 is a viral infection and like the flu, colds or other viral infections, these often are accompanied by respiratory symptoms. Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep). Group A strep bacteria are very contagious. Generally, people spread the bacteria to others through respiratory droplets or direct contact.
Currently, we’re seeing patients coming in with sore throats, but they’re not all COVID-19 cases. AFC Urgent Care Dedham wants to help you understand the different symptoms so you can take the next step if you have a sore throat and are wondering if it’s COVID-19 or strep throat you are suffering from.
Symptoms Of Strep Throat Versus COVID-19
Strep Throat is not a symptom of COVID-19. Strep throat is a separate infection caused by bacteria called “Streptococcal pharyngitis”. It may have similar symptoms like a painful, sore and scratchy throat, but there are some differences to point out.
Just like COVID-19, Strep Throat has a specific test. The test will show if the bacteria causing the infection is present or not.
Symptoms of Strep Throat include:
- Sore throat that can start very quickly.
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Tiny, red spots (petechiae) on the roof of the mouth (the soft or hard palate)
- Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck.
Symptoms typically NOT related to Strep throat:
- Cough
- Runny nose
If you are symptomatic with COVID-19 and have a sore throat, you’ll most certainly have these respiratory symptoms along with it:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Congestion
- Loss of smell and/or taste
New COVID-19 Variants And Staying Safe!
Keep in mind that symptoms may change depending on the newest variant. As of now, the newest variant is Omicron B.1.1.529. In some cases, symptoms aren’t even present. If symptoms aren't present, it’s still recommended to get tested because one can still infect others.
***Stay up to date on your vaccines for COVID-19! Although we do not carry the COVID-19 vaccine, it is easily obtainable at your local pharmacy, such as Rite Aid, CVS, etc. Most people who have had all of the available vaccines will experience mild symptoms, but some people, mostly those who have not been vaccinated, the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions, can become severely ill.
How Do You Treat Strep Throat?
Since strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are needed to help kill the bacteria. We highly suggest taking your entire prescription. Even if you feel better, you don’t want to stop too soon because there still could be bacteria that can grow back and be more resistant.
While you’re recouping you can try any of the following tips to help your sore throat feel better:
- Drink warm liquids such as lemon tea or tea with honey.
- Gargle several times a day with warm salt water (1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup water).
- Drink cold liquids or suck on popsicles.
- Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges. Young children should not be given these products because they can choke on them.
- A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can moisten and soothe a dry and painful throat.
- Try over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen.
AFC Urgent Care Dedham Can Test You For Strep Throat
At this time, we’re seeing more and more patients coming in with sore throats. We offer both rapid molecular tests for COVID-19 and a rapid strep test. Getting tested is the first step to rule out the other winter illnesses out there. At the same time, if it turns out to be strep, we can prescribe you antibiotics so you can start treatment on the same day. Schedule an appointment with us to clear any corners or confusion.
We hope you feel better. AFC Urgent Care Dedham is always here for you 7 days a week, no appointment needed.
