“I thought strep throat was a symptom of COVID-19?”. You may have seen this question circulating across the internet, but strep throat is actually a completely different illness. The major difference between the two is that strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection while COVID-19 is a viral infection.

We get that it’s confusing, but don’t always assume it’s COVID-19. We’re seeing patients coming in with sore throats, but they’re not all COVID-19 cases. AFC Urgent Care Natick 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. We have to keep in mind that not everything is going to be COVID-19. 

Strep Throat Affects The Throat And Tonsils

If you have a sore throat, but no respiratory symptoms, then chances are it might be from strep throat. If it’s sensitive  to touch (lymph nodes), or feels like swallowing “broken glass”, those are huge indicators for strep throat. Watch out for these symptoms of strep throat:

• Red, sore throat with white patches on throat and tongue
• Sudden fever
• Chills
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Fatigue

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

If you have respiratory symptoms, then chances are it’s a viral infection like COVID-19. COVID-19 often comes with these respiratory symptoms:

• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Congestion
• New loss of smell and/or taste

Is Strep Throat Treatable? 

Unlike some of the other winter illnesses that usually go away on their own, strep throat requires antibiotics. Antibiotics are needed to kill the bacteria causing strep throat. 

You can also try these at-home remedies while you take your antibiotics:

• Drink warm liquids like tea
• Gargle several times a day with warm salt water & vinegar (1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup water).
• Drink cold liquids or suck on popsicles.
• 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 tip: Even if you feel better, you don’t want to stop your prescription too soon because there still could be bacteria that can grow back and be more resistant. 

Get Tested For Strep Throat At AFC Urgent Care Natick

Testing for strep, COVID-19 and other winter illnesses are easy at AFC Urgent Care Natick. We offer rapid molecular tests for COVID-19 and rapid strep tests 7 days a week, no appointment needed, as well as ‘back to work’ COVID Antigen tests. If you do test positive for strep throat, we can get your started with antibiotics to treat it!

If you prefer to make an appointment with us, you can schedule one any day of the week. You can also walk-in for your immediate urgent care needs.

AFC Urgent Care Natick is open seven days a week for patients of all ages, with flu vaccinations, physicals, on-site X-rays, care for minor bone breaks and burns, stitches for cuts and lacerations and more. Always here for our friends and families in the Natick community.