COVID-19 is not the only winter illness to worry about this winter. You can’t forget about colds, flu and even strep throat. Lately, we’re seeing patients coming in for sore throats and everyone is thinking it’s COVID-19. It can get a little confusing because COVID-19 can cause a sore throat, but it cannot cause Strep throat.
AFC Urgent Care Saugus is here to inform you about the other winter illnesses out there with our guide on strep throat -- and yes, it’s not just COVID-19!
Strep Throat Caused By A Bacterial Infection
Strep throat is usually caused by a bacteria called group A streptococcus. It’s not like colds, flu and COVID-19 where it can sometimes go away on its own with rest and over the counter medication. Strep requires antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing it.
It’s also a more severe type of sore throat that often feels sensitive to touch (lymph nodes) and hurts when swallowing. You should also 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 A Sore Throat And Respiratory Symptoms, Then Chances Are It’s COVID-19
The major difference between strep throat and all the other illnesses is that it doesn’t come with respiratory symptoms. Colds, flu and COVID-19 do. If you’re unsure if your sore throat is from either one of those three you can check out the differences between colds, flu and COVID-19 here.
But, if you have sore throat and these specific respiratory symptoms, then you may have COVID-19:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Congestion
- New loss of smell and/or taste
In some particular cases, these symptoms may not appear nor any symptoms. To clarify, not having COVID-19 symptoms doesn’t mean one can’t infect people around them.
We also have to keep in mind that symptoms will change with the virus’ variant! Currently, 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.
Rule Out Strep Throat And COVID-19 By Getting Tested At AFC Urgent Care Saugus
Need a test for strep throat? How about COVID-19? AFC Urgent Care Saugus offers both rapid molecular testing for COVID-19, COVID Antigen tests, as well as rapid strep tests 7 days a week, with no appointment needed.
If you do test positive for strep throat, AFC Urgent Care Saugus can help prescribe you antibiotics to help treat strep throat. 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.
Always here for our friends and families in the Saugus, MA community.
