Is it COVID-19 or Strep throat? To clear the air a little bit, Strep throat isn’t a COVID-19 symptom. COVID-19 can cause a sore throat though. You can’t forget about the other winter illnesses this season either, which are abounding. It’s confusing, we agree.
Winter is upon us and we’re seeing patients come in for sore throats. But, they’re not all COVID-19 related cases. This raises the question as to what are the differences between strep throat and COVID-19. AFC Urgent Care in Marlborough is here to help differentiate the two illnesses and guide you on the next steps for recovery. There’s no need to panic, not everything is COVID-19.
COVID-19 Causes A Sore Throat, Not Strep Throat
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Please keep in mind that symptoms may change depending on the newest variant. As of now, the newest variant is Omicron B.1.1.529. 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.
Strep Throat Is Caused By A Bacterial Infection!
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
- Direct contact
Strep throat is often viewed as a mild infection, but it can be very painful. The most common 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
- Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
Other symptoms may include a headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting — especially in children.
Symptoms typically NOT seen in Strep throat are:
- Cough
- Runny nose
Rarely, people can spread group A strep bacteria through food that is not handled properly. It usually takes two to five days for someone exposed to group A strep bacteria to become ill with strep throat.
Your Best Bet Is To Get Tested For Everything
For Strep Throat, we offer a rapid strep test (throat swab) to determine if there is bacteria growth. When testing for COVID-19 we offer rapid Antigen tests and PCR tests. During this time we highly suggest getting tested for everything. Whether the results come back positive or negative, we are here to help get to the root cause of your sore throat!
Strep Throat Testing At AFC Urgent Care In Marlborough
AFC Urgent Care in Marlborough is open 7 days a week no appointment needed, for your urgent care needs. If you suspect strep throat as the cause for your sore throat, we can perform a rapid strep test at our center. If it comes back positive, we can prescribe antibiotics so you can start treatment on the same day!
AFC Urgent Care Marlborough is open seven days a week for patients of all ages. We offer flu vaccinations, diagnostic rapid tests for COVID-19, physicals, on-site X-rays, care for minor bone breaks and burns, stitches for cuts and lacerations and many more urgent care services.
Note! We highly suggest finishing your prescription because if you stop too soon, the bacteria that caused your strep throat can always come back!
If you decide to make an appointment with us, feel free to schedule an appointment that fits your schedule! Always here for our friends and families in the Marlborough communities.
