“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.
Both are highly contagious and a sore throat is a very common symptom between the two. But, how can you tell if your sore throat is from COVID-19 versus strep throat? AFC Urgent Care Natick is here to help answer that question.
Strep Throat Doesn’t Usually Come With Respiratory Symptoms. COVID-19 Does
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
If you have respiratory symptoms, then chances are it’s a viral infection like COVID-19. COVID-19 oftens comes with these respiratory symptoms:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Congestion
- New loss of smell and/or taste
If you’re unsure about the symptoms of other winter illnesses like the common colds, or the flu, you can read more about it here.
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. We highly suggest completely your full dose regardless if you feel okay. You want to avoid stopping too soon because it can give the bacteria causing strep a chance to grow back, or “linger”.
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.
“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
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.
AFC Urgent Care Natick is open seven days a week, no appointments needed 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.
