With a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, thanks to the Omicron variant, some of you are probably worried about what your sore throat means. Is it COVID-19 or Strep throat? You can’t forget about the other winter illnesses this season, which are abounding. It’s confusing, we agree.
We’re now entering the second half of winter 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.
Sore Throats Are Very Common With The Omicron Variant
Should we just assume it’s COVID-19? Not yet. People are still coming in with sore throats unrelated to the pandemic. Strep throat is one of them and it does come with a nasty and painful sore throat. One major difference between the two is that Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection, while COVID-19 is caused by a viral infection. The bacteria that causes strep, primarily infects the throat and tonsils. You usually will not experience respiratory symptoms like you would with COVID-19.
If you’re not experiencing respiratory symptoms, then chances are it could be strep throat. Watch out for these symptoms:
- Red, sore throat with white patches on throat and tongue
- Sudden fever
- Chills
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Fatigue
If you have respiratory symptoms and a sore throat, then it’s most likely COVID-19
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Congestion
- Loss of smell and/or taste
If it's not COVID-19 or strep related, it could possibly be a cold or the flu. Those illnesses are also pretty common right now too. Read more about those here.
Your Best Bet Is To Get Tested For Everything
“We perform a quick throat swab in our office. If the results are positive for strep, we prescribe antibiotics, which tend to effectively clear it up,” he said. “With the resurgence of COVID-19, your best bet is to seek testing if you are feeling unwell. We strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, as well as the annual flu vaccine, as preventive measures to help reduce your risks of serious illness.” Dr. Vincent Meoli, AFC Regional Medical Director
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. Note! We highly suggest finishing your prescription because if you stop too soon, the bacteria that caused your strep throat can come back.
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.
Always here for our friends and families in the Marlborough communities.
